Bangladesh, Sept. 16 -- The return of meaningful military dialogue between China and the United States is one of the more consequential developments unfolding behind the headlines of today's increasingly volatile international order.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, opening September 15 at the Beijing International Convention Center, is expected to bring together hundreds of military officers, diplomats and scholars from dozens of countries, regions and international organizations. Yet amid the gathering's broad international agenda, one issue will inevitably command disproportionate attention: the evolving state of China-US military relations.

The composition of the American delegation has already generated discussion, with some obse...