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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, January 16, 2004

Keep on the friendly contacts between US, China: Myers

Looking especially impressive in his army uniform, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US armed forces Richard Myers vigorously talked with People's Daily reporter Wu Yingchun about his China trip.


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Jiang Zeming meets with top US general
Looking especially impressive in his army uniform, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US armed forces Richard Myers vigorously talked with People's Daily reporter Wu Yingchun about his China trip-he held talks with Chinese military leaders and visited the country's aviation control center. He believes his trip bears fruits since the two sides, through a series of talks, reached consensus on bilateral relations as well as on international, regional security; promoted mutual understanding and strengthened ties between the two armies.

The Chinese and US armies see noticeable progress in their contacts in recent years. In less than a year, Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President Bush hold talks twice, and Premier Wen Jiabao paid a successful visit to the United States. The US visit in last October by Cao Gangchuan, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, state councilor and defense minister, marked further recovery of military contacts between the two countries. "My China visit this time is an important step taken in this regard, an indication of warmer bilateral ties. Now exchanges between the two sides show a good trend". He expressed his hope repeatedly that the trend can be kept on.

"What's the base of China-US association? And how about its value?" reporter asked.

The United States is seeking to establish constructive and stable bilateral ties with China, Myers answered. The continuous exchanges promoted mutual understanding and also improved transparency. He hopes contacts between the two armies could be resumed to the level before 1989. He stands that US-China military contacts should not be limited among high-ranking officers but should be extended to lower ranks, including exchanges between military institutes and port calls. Military exchanges should be conducted at all levels, this is very important, he pointed out. It will be of much value if lower ranking officers could understand more the other side. If there stands a solid foundation for military exchanges, it' will be easier to handle probable problems in the future. Connections between individuals will also be very helpful, Myers added. For example, if something props up in the future, it will be very convenient and good to call a familiar person on the other side to discuss the matter directly.


Top US military officer pays visit to Beijing
Talking about the Taiwan issue, Myers said the United States and China are very clear on each other's stance. During his meeting last month with visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, President Bush made it very clear that the United States sticks to the "One China" policy, strictly observe the three US-China joint communiqu��s and opposes Taiwan independence. And the policy will not change. The United States opposes any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo of Taiwan.

"What's the importance do you think of the military contacts between China and the United States?"

The closer and closer US-China cooperation mainly lies in economy and trade, Myers pointed out. Economic development firstly needs a stable and safe environment, so the two big countries naturally hope to achieve progress in security cooperation. The United States is a pacific country and China belongs to the Asia-Pacific region. Stability in the region benefits both countries and the sustainable development of their economy. It is based on this understanding that both sides hope to keep the trend of military contacts. This is a point welcomed by both counties and other countries in the region.

During his visit, Myers also discussed with China issues of counter-terrorism, prevention of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the DPRK nuclear crisis. He particularly thanked China for its role in the six-party talks. As an expert on space tactics, Myers watched video of the launch and return of "Shenzhou V" and expressed appreciation of and congratulations on China's achievements in the space field.


US military official visits China
Asked to make suggestions on China-US military contacts in the future, Myers said a consultation of deputy-defense-minister level between the two countries is scheduled next month. Besides, a US warship will visit China port next month, and Liang Guanglie, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, is expected to visit the United States this year at US invitation. Myers hopes contacts of this kind would continue and new items will be added in.

By People's Daily Online


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