Home>>World
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, October 29, 2003

China, US defense ministers held highest-level meeting

Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met and had lunch with the US Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld at the Pentagon on October 28. This is the highest-level meeting between Chinese and US military officers ever since the air crash in April 2001.


PRINT DISCUSSION CHINESE SEND TO FRIEND


Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met and had lunch with the US Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld at the Pentagon on October 28. This is the highest-level meeting between Chinese and US military officers ever since the air crash in April 2001.

The two ministers discussed wide-ranging topics concerning global and regional security and relations between the two military forces. They agreed to make arrangements for the itinerary of mutual visits by military leaders of the two countries in 2004. Cao, also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and a state councilor, and Rumsfeld agreed that their talks were positive, constructive and fruitful.

Cao said that the development of a healthy and stable relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the military-to-military ties are an essential part of the Sino-US relations and a healthy and stable relationship between the two militaries is in the interest of both sides. Noting that the Taiwan issue is the most important and sensitive core issue in the Sino-US relations, Cao expressed hope that the United States adheres to the principles of the three joint communiques and its commitment to opposing "Taiwan independence", and handles the Taiwan issue properly, including the arms sale.

In his remarks, Rumsfeld spoke highly of the momentum in the development of the relations between the two countries and the two militaries, adding that China is an important country and the development of bilateral relations in various fields are beneficial to both sides. The Pentagon said the meeting is "fruitful and constructive." "Washington Times" quoted Rumsfeld as saying that Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's present visit to the Pentagon is part of the US policy to maintain its relations with China.

Rumsfeld said the bilateral relations met with some difficulties at the beginning of the Bush administration. But the relations have returned to normal two years later and the military-to-military exchanges have increased recently and are appropriate, rational and beneficial. On the issue of Taiwan, Rumsfeld said the US government abides by the "One China" policy and a peaceful solution on the issue.

The last visit of the Chinese Defense Minister to the United States took place in December 1996. The then Defense Minister Chi Haotian not only visited the Pentagon, but also met with President Clinton at the White House.

By People's Daily Online


Questions?Comments? Click here
    Advanced






Chinese defense chief to visit US next month

Chinese Defense Minister leaves for US visit

Chinese defense minister arrives in NY for official visit





 


US manufacturers' wish to complain to WTO about RMB: a good thing for China ( 4 Messages)

548 billion yuan invested in China's education last year ( 4 Messages)

President Hu talks about Taiwan, SARS, RMB ( 6 Messages)

How far we are away from a space power? ( 6 Messages)

India's after joint military maneuver with China ( 13 Messages)



Copyright by People's Daily Online, all rights reserved