The Chinese defense ministry and his US counterpart ended a
two-day working meeting in Beijing?Friday, discussing China-US
military relations and future exchange programs.
Zhang Bangdong, director of the Foreign Affairs Office under the
Chinese Ministry of National Defense, and US Deputy Under Secretary
of Defense Richard Lawless frankly exchanged views on China-US
military relations, covering such issues as exchange programs in
2006 and bilateral negotiation on maritime military security.
China's Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese
People's Liberation Army Xiong Guangkai said Friday when meeting
with Lawless that the current Sino-American relations enjoy sound
development and the relations between the two armies also grow
steadily.
Xiong said US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld paid a
successful visit to China in October this year. Chinese and US
armed forces have maintained smooth contacts in various fields,
including personnel and technology exchanges, security policy
consultations and warship visits.
"All these activities have played an active role in
strengthening mutual understanding and closing relations between
the two sides," said Xiong, noting that China is ready to work with
the US side to further expand exchanges and cooperation, in an
effort to push forward the relations between the two armed
forces.
Noting the Taiwan issue remains the crucial factor affecting
China-US relations, Xiong said China hopes the United States will
honor its commitment, work with China in opposing and containing
"Taiwan independence," won't send wrong signals to Taiwan in a bid
to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, which
accords with the common interests of both China and the United
States.
Lawless said the United States would like to make a concerted
effort with China to further expand the exchange fields and push
forward relations between the US and Chinese armies.
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(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2005)