By Xinhua
Beijing : China expects to improve relations with the US military through high-level visits and “other practical cooperation”, a senior Chinese military officer said here Tuesday.
Ding Jingong, deputy head of the foreign affairs office of China’s defence ministry, said China held a positive attitude toward developing Sino-US military relations as he commented on the visit of Timothy Keating, chief of the US Pacific Command.
Keating arrived here Sunday for a four-day visit. The trip came as part of increasing high-level military exchanges between China and the United States.
“High-level visits like this will boost understanding and mutual trust. The two exchanged opinions on a wide range of issues, which would help prepare for practical cooperation,” Ding said.
According to Ding, Keating offered many plans for Sino-US military cooperation including exchange programmes for officers, mutual visits of navy ships and multi-national and bilateral military drills.
Despite the developments, the Taiwan issue still looms large on their developing ties, said Ding. Two legislations approved by the US Congress, the National Defence Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2000 and Delay Amendment, set barriers for military cooperation in 12 areas between China and the United States.
“Keating’s attitude on Taiwan issue is positive, and will help improve military cooperation between us,” Ding said.