Wu Shengli

As tempers flare in the East and South China Seas, China’s neighbors — and the United States — are watching Wu Shengli closely. Minor naval run-ins with neighbors have spooked the region. While he no doubt subscribes to President Xi’s doctrine that China would never sacrifice what it calls “core interests” — code-speak for taking a hard line on territorial disputes — Wu has also spoken about the need for a “win-win situation” with other countries. Recent exchanges with the United States suggest Wu means what he says.