Deutsche Welle reports that “China hosted the US Navy representatives earlier this week, the country’s media reported on Wednesday, amid growing concern that territorial disputes in the South China Sea are leading Beijing and Washington toward conflict.”  

“The 27-member delegation boarded the Liaoning, China’s largest warship, on Monday to discuss with Chinese officials such topics as personnel training, medical support and strategies in aircraft carrier development, the Chinese navy’s official blog reported.”  

“The following day, US officials visited the navy’s submarine academy.”