In November 2023, the Stimson Center led a delegation of four recently retired three- and four-star generals to Beijing, China, to meet with five Chinese counterparts for the 12th U.S.-China Military-to-Military Dialogue (previously known as the Sanya Initiative). Cohosted with the China Association for International Friendly Contact, the dialogue offered an opportunity to discuss critical issues of mutual concern and interest over three days. 

This is the first time that Stimson organized the dialogue since its transition from East West Institute. With new leadership, funding base, participants and goals, the dialogue serves as a useful channel of communication among retired military leaders of U.S. and China.