U.S.-China Ties

The Defense Department is welcoming a new statement from the Chinese defense ministry about the potential for improved bilateral military ties, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today. Geng Yansheng, a spokesman for China's defense ministry, was quoted Thursday touting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's official visit to the United States last week. Xi is slated to be China's next president.

"This visit was of great significance to guiding the development of relations between the two countries and the two militaries," Geng said, as China's official Xinhau news agency reported. Further, the Chinese spokesman underscored the potential for improved ties with the Pentagon. "We are ready to work with the U.S. side, by observing the principles of mutual respect, trust, equality and mutual benefits, to respect and take care of each other's core interests and major concerns, properly handle differences and controversial issues, cultivate strategic mutual trust and push forward China-U.S. military links in a healthy and stable way," Geng said.

"We welcome the Chinese announcement that they are ready to advance military ties with the United States," Little said today. "We believe that a reliable, stable and healthy military relationship between the two countries is one of several means to enhance the bilateral relationship, work toward common goals and candidly address our differences."

Little said he had no specifics to announce today, but the department looks forward to discussing those details, including future military exchanges. During his Feb. 14 meeting with Xi at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta highlighted humanitarian assistance and counterpiracy as productive areas for deepening cooperation, Little said last week.

During the Feb. 14 visit, Panetta greeted Xi on the river steps of the Pentagon. The two leaders passed through an honor cordon into the building for a private welcome. Panetta then escorted Xi to the River Terrace Parade Field reviewing stand for Xi to receive military honors in a ceremony that was unprecedented for a visiting Chinese vice president.