Sino-US Defense Talks Promote TiesChina and the United States have agreed that the fourth defense consultations between their defense departments have enhanced mutual trust and understanding, and will help reduce differences, expand consensus and promote relations between the two armed forces.The fourth defense consultations, held in Beijing Wednesday and Thursday, November 30, were co-chaired by Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Walter B. Slocombe, under secretary of the US Department of Defense. During the consultations, the two sides exchanged views on international and regional security, Sino-US relations and other issues of common concern. Xiong reiterated China's stand on the Taiwan issue and briefed the guests on the recently published white paper entitled "China's National Defense in 2000". The two sides made positive comments on this year's relations between the two armed forces and held discussions on their military exchanges scheduled for next year. Xiong and Slocombe said they believe Sino-US ties are of great importance to the two countries, the Asia-Pacific region as well as the whole world. They agreed the two sides should enhance dialogue, promote cooperation and make joint efforts to push forward bilateral relations in the new century. The defense consultations between the defense departments of the two countries were established by the two heads of State during Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to the US in 1997. At the beginning of this year, Xiong attended the third Sino-US defense consultations in the US. Slocombe arrived in Beijing Tuesday as guest of the Chinese Defense Ministry. Consultations Held in BeijingThe fourth defense consultations between defense departments of China and the United States were held in Beijing Wednesday, November 29.Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Walter B. Slocombe, under secretary of the US Department of Defense, co-chaired the consultations. |
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