Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi warned Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the US plan to upgrade Taiwan’s fleet of F-16s could ruin relations between the two super powers, reported Reuters. Monday’s warning apparently did not come as a surprise to the Obama Administration, although Chinese officials did up the ante by saying they may cancel or postpone military-to-military engagements—a top priority for the Pentagon. Addressing reporters Tuesday at the Foreign Press Center in Washington, D.C., Adm. Robert Willard, head of US Pacific Command, said he remains hopeful that discussions between China and the United States will continue. “I think regardless of the effects of this particular round of Taiwan arms sales and disagreement between our two governments on that issue, China will be very likely to retain the high-level visitation . . . that will enable us to continue those strategic-level discussions,” he said. (Includes AFPS report by Karen Parrish) (Willard transcript, including video of event)
How Miss America 2024 Took the Air Force Somewhere New
Dec. 20, 2024
When 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh became the first ever active service member crowned Miss America on Jan. 14, top Air Force officials recognized a rare opportunity to reach women and girls who otherwise might not consider military service as an option.