China, US agree to further enhance cooperation between militaries

SINGAPORE - Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe agreed with the United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis here Thursday to control risks and deepen mutual trust so as to make the relations between the two militaries a stabilizer for the China-US relationship.

Wei and Mattis both arrived in the city-state to take part in the 5th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus and Other Sideline Events scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, and the Chinese side echoed the US suggestion for a bilateral meeting.

According to the Chinese official, promoting cooperation for win-win development is the only choice for a lasting relationship between Beijing and Washington, enhancing mutual trust is the best cohesive force for strengthening the exchanges of the two armies, and respect and toleration are the rightful means of addressing differences and problems.

Wei Fenghe noted that China stands firm on principles guiding issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea, and that the Chinese military take unswerving stance on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development.

Mattis said that differences lie between the United States and China, but they do not necessarily mean confrontation, nor does competition mean hostility.

The US side is devoted to promoting the relations between the US and Chinese militaries, and hopes to further enhance exchanges between the two militaries at all levels, and take good advantage of the mutual trust and cooperation mechanism, so as to push the relations between the two militaries ahead on a right track.