- Now to the rising tensions between the US and China-- the latest provocation, a near-collision between American and Chinese warships. And we've got to give a hearty welcome to our chief foreign correspondent Ian Pannell, who is here with us, in the flesh, all gussied up, no less. Good morning to you, Ian. - Yeah, thank you. Good morning, Linsey. It does seem that these incidents are becoming more frequent, US Defense Secretary Austin saying that we don't seek any conflict or confrontation, but nor do we flinch or move away from bullying-- the Chinese, however, telling the US to mind its own business, warning any severe confrontation between the US and China would be a, quote, "unbearable disaster for the world." This morning, increased tensions between the US and China after a close call at sea-- a Chinese warship intercepting a pair of US and Canadian ships sailing through the Taiwan Strait-- video capturing the moment Saturday, when the Chinese warship picks up speed, cutting in front of American destroyer USS Chung-Hoon by just 150 yards, the ship's wake coming dangerously close to the destroyers bow-- the captain of the Canadian vessel saying the Chinese sailors called the American ship, telling them to move or there'd be a collision-- the Americans are asking the Chinese to stay clear of the ship but having to suddenly slow down in order to avoid a crash. The US, responding, accusing the Chinese ship of acting in an "unsafe manner" and violating the maritime "rules of the road." China's defense minister firing back, saying the best way to avoid another close call is for all countries, especially their military aircraft and warships, to refrain from wandering around other countries' territorial waters and airspace. This incident-- the latest to raise tensions, just last week, a Chinese fighter jet coming within 400 feet of a US reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea and, earlier this year, the US shooting down a Chinese spy balloon flying over the US, but national security advisor Jake Sullivan on CNN emphasizing the need for diplomacy between the two nations. - And we believe there is nothing inevitable about some kind of conflict or cold war between the US and China. - Well, overnight, the State Department's most senior diplomat for East Asia landing in Beijing-- this is the fourth high-level meeting between the Chinese and the US in as many weeks, with CIA Director Burns secretly going to China in May. But, George, make no mistake. The tensions are very real, as is the need to avoid any real-world military clash between the two. - No question about that. Thank you, Ian.