Chinese, U.S. defense chief vow to boost new type military ties

BEIJING, April 8 -- Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on Tuesday held talks with his U.S. counterpart Chuck Hagel on promoting the sound and stable development of a new type of military relations.

Chang said this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations, and it is also a crucial year for the two sides to build the new type of major-country relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping described the content of this kind of relationship with "no conflict and no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation", which revealed the characteristics of bilateral relations, said Chang.

He called on the two countries to steadily and unswervingly push forward the construction of the new type of major-country relations, which is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two sides as well as the lasting peace and stability of Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Chang applauded the major progress achieved in bilateral military relations since last year, noting that the two sides should further enhance dialogue and communication, and respect each other's core interests and major concern.

He urged the two armed forces to strengthen pragmatic exchange and cooperation, effectively manage crisis and risks, properly resolve major obstacles and differences, so as to push forward the healthy and stable development of their new type military ties.