The U.S. military exercises have deeply impressed the Chinese military officers and the observation is favorable for further cooperation between the two armies, said the Chinese delegation on Friday.

Delegation members made the comments after observing large-scale U.S. military exercises in Guam. It was the first time that Chinese military personnel were invited to observe a war game solely conducted by the U.S. Army.

The 10-member delegation, together with delegations from six other countries, observed the "Valiant Shield-06" exercises that started on Sunday.

Zhang Leiyu, head of the Chinese delegation, said the U.S. Army made brief introductions during the exercises, and the two sides exchanged views on issues of common concern, which is conducive to promoting mutual understanding.

"The visit helped the Chinese side obtain a better understanding of the U.S. weapons, training skills and exercise arrangements," said Zhang, deputy chief of staff of the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The drill was a good platform for the two armed forces to communicate and learn from each other, Zhang said.

Xie Feng, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the presidents of the two countries attach great importance to developing bilateral military relations.

Strengthening military exchange and increasing mutual trust will help the development of relationship between the armed forces of the two countries, Xie said.

Tu Qiming, senior colonel with the foreign affairs office of the Ministry of National Defense, said observing each other's military exercises offers chances of face-to-face exchanges, and will help promote mutual understanding and friendship.

Ma Jian, major general from the Headquarters of the General Staff of the PLA, said the drill demonstrated the strict and precise training of the U.S. soldiers and officers.

In addition, the exercises of the U.S. Army were closely connected with actual combat, said Zhou Guojian, an officer from the Nanjing Military Area Command of the PLA.

Source: Xinhua