Chinese, US Military Leaders on Relations between Two Armed Forces

Defense Minister Chi Haotian voiced the hope that the US would make efforts in maintaining a healthy and stable China-US relations so as to create favorable condition for the development of the military relations of the two countries.

Chi made the remarks Wednesday when meeting with US Secretary of Defense William Cohen.

Chi said military relations is an important component of China- U.S. relations. Since early this year, senior officers of the two armed forces have restored exchanges, and the China-US military relations have maintained a good momentum of improvement.

Cohen said the US side is pleased to see the restoration of the military relations between the US and China this year, and the exchanges between senior officers of the two armed forces have developed smoothly.

He said the US will continue to support the military exchanges between the two countries, and will commit to the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two armed forces.

Cohen briefed Chi on the National Missile Defense (NMD) and Theater Missile Defense (TMD), and said that so far the US government has not made the final decision in this regard.



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