A senior officer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)
said on Monday that China is ready to deepen exchanges and
cooperation with US armed forces.
Jing Zhiyuan, commander of the PLA's Second Artillery Force,
made the remarks when he met with Ike Skelton, the chairman of the
Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives.
China and the United States have extensive strategic interests,
said Jing, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission
(CMC).
He said that the relations between the two armed forces have
maintained sound momentum, featured by frequent exchanges,
expanding cooperation and increasing mutual understanding and
trust.
"China holds a positive attitude toward the development of ties
between the two armed forces. My country is willing to make joint
efforts with the US side to push forward exchanges and
cooperation," Jing told Skelton and his delegation.
Skelton said that he was honored to be among first batch of US
congressmen to visit the Second Artillery Force.
He said that the two armed forces should enhance their dialogue
and exchanges so as to promote peace and friendship between the two
countries.
Jing also briefed Skelton on China's nuclear policy and strategy
and the construction and application of nuclear forces.
"China's policy of 'No first use of nuclear weapons at any time
under any circumstances' is firm and consistent, and will never be
changed," Jing added.
(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2007)
