Huanqiu reported that Chen Xi, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, answered a question on the next steps in China-US military relations while briefing on recent issues on the afternoon of October 10. This is our own summary of Huanqiu's report; quoted phrases are those cited there.

The question noted that President Xi Jinping, during a recent state visit to the US, said the two militaries should keep regular dialogue and improve crisis communication and prevention mechanisms, and asked about follow-up exchanges. Chen's reply addressed that point.

Head-of-state diplomacy as the 'anchor'

The spokesperson said head-of-state diplomacy is the 'anchor' (dingpanxing) of China-US relations and plays a guiding role for military ties as well, suggesting that leader-level understandings set the basic course for the two armed forces.

He said the Chinese military is willing to work with the US side to implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders. The report lists four directions: strengthen communication and dialogue, expand exchanges and cooperation, manage differences properly, and promote stable, healthy and sustainable military relations.

The stated goal: 'constructive strategic stability'

Chen said the efforts are meant to add positive energy and new momentum to building a 'constructive China-US strategic stability relationship based on mutual respect, fairness and reciprocity,' tying military communication to the broader framework of bilateral stability.

The report gives no meeting dates, channel names or agreement texts, so the form and timing of any resumed dialogue cannot be confirmed from it. Washington's reaction is not included either. How crisis communication between the militaries takes concrete shape awaits later announcements.