Deterioration in U. S.-Chinese relations has been most visible in recent trade disputes between the two countries, but the tension has spilled over into the military arena.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has dropped plans to visit China amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington, U. S. defense officials said Monday.
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Although the trip was never publicly announced, Mattis had planned to visit Beijing in October for so-called two-plus-two security talks with his Chinese counterpart as well as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pompeo’s counterpart.
The Pentagon has made no public statement about Mattis’ change of plans. Defense officials confirmed news reports of the meeting cancellation, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning.
Deterioration in U. S.-Chinese relations has been most visible in recent trade disputes between the two countries, but the tension has spilled over into the military arena.
