Sometimes U.S.-Chinese military relations are like this:
Cmdr. Mark Becker, center, mission commander of Southern Partnership Station 2011, speaks with People's Liberation Army Navy Rear. Adm. Zhao Yongfu, right, president of the Naval Academy of Armament and his interpreter
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and sometimes they are like this:
090308-N-0000X-004 SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 8, 2009) A crewmember on a Chinese trawler uses a grapple hook in an apparent attempt to snag the towed acoustic array of the military Sealift Command ocean surveillance ship USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS-23). Impeccable was conducting routine survey operations in international waters 75 miles south of Hainan Island when it was harassed by five Chinese vessels. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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So from the record, China's intentions may change in a moment, seemingly without notice. Consequently it seems wise and proper to ask the Chinese their intentions.