Both leaders of their respective defense establishments in the US and China used much the same language during a press conference to describe their meeting in Beijing. From Chinese Minister of Defense Cao Gangchuan: “I think that our dialogue has been pragmatic, candid, and productive.” From American Defense Secretary Robert Gates: “The United States has a relationship with China that is candid, constructive, and cooperative. Washington has criticized Beijing for its lack of transparency about its military buildup. Gates said that he brought up a sore subject, that of the Chinese anti-satellite test. He said in response to a question, “I raised our concerns about it, and there was no further discussion.” That’s candid.
Dick Cheney’s Legacy with the Air Force
Nov. 6, 2025
Dick Cheney, who died Nov. 3 at 84, is best remembered by most Americans as among the most powerful Vice Presidents in history, a consummate Washington insider who had previously served in the Nixon administration, was Chief of Staff for President Gerald Ford, a Congressman for a decade, and Secretary…


