The Pentagon is opening talks with China to restart stalled military relations.

China broke off military contacts with the United States last January in protest of the U.S. decision to sell up to $6.4 billion dollars worth of arms to Taiwan, Wall Street Journal reports.

Both sides now want to reduce some of the tension that’s been building up in the region and address some larger strategic concerns, such as nuclear arms.

Renewed talks are set to begin in Beijing this week, and Deputy Chief of General Staff General Ma Xiaotian may visit the U.S. by the end of the year.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates wants a framework for a more sustainable relationship with China’s People’s Liberation Army. Gates said he wants to ensure relations won’t freeze every time Beijing gets upset at Washington.

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