Chinese and US military to deepen cooperation

Top military officials in China and the US agreed to deepen exchange and cooperation, manage risks and differences, and make military-to-military relations a stabilizing factor for bilateral ties, a spokesman for China's Defense Ministry said on Friday.

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, the ministry's spokesman, made the statement at a press briefing after State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, met with acting US Defense Secretary, Patrick Shanahan, on the sidelines of the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore late Friday afternoon.

It was the first official meeting between the two senior military officials since Shanahan, a former Boeing executive, was promoted in January. Wu said the talk, despite its short length, was "friendly and constructive".

The two officials exchanged their opinions on the China-US military relationship, the Korean Peninsula, and other issues of mutual concern, he said.

"Both sides have reached a consensus that maintaining a stable Sino-US military relation is very important."

They agreed that both militaries should fulfill the consensus reached by their State leaders, should deepen exchange and cooperation, properly manage risks and differences, and allow military-to-military relations become a stabilizing factor for bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Wei also stressed that the Chinese side resolutely opposes the US using "negative rhetoric and actions regarding the Taiwan question."

In terms of protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, "the US side should not underestimate the determination, will and capability of the People's Liberation Army," Wu said.

As for the Korean Peninsula, both sides agreed to facilitate the denuclearization of the peninsula and maintain peace and security in the region, Wu said. Both sides also expressed their desire for further exchange and dialogue and will keep in contact via military diplomatic channels.