Beijing and Washington have intensified military communications in recent months following an almost complete breakdown in contact for more than a year. This week saw a video call between the commander of all US forces in the Indo-Pacific and his Chinese counterpart, the first talks at such a level in more than two years.

Senior military officials from China and the United States held "in-depth" talks on Tuesday, Beijing's defence ministry said.On Tuesday, Beijing's defence ministry said Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese army's Southern Theater Command had held "an in-depth exchange of views" with Samuel Paparo,