US and China commanders to discuss conflict prevention 'in next few weeks'. U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Sam Paparo will speak with a Chinese southern theater commander to prevent military misunderstandings, as confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. This follows recent efforts to restore communication channels after tensions peaked over the U.S. downing a Chinese balloon. Burns emphasized the importance of dialogue to avoid accidental conflicts between U.S. and Chinese forces operating closely in international waters and airspace.