Sustaining the Momentum

The most recent talks between US and Chinese defense officials focused on ways to “sustain the positive momentum” in strengthening the military-to-military relationship, said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little on Tuesday. During the 14th annual defense consultative talks, held in Beijing on Sept. 9, James Miller, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Lt. Gen. Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of the Chinese military’s general staff, discussed how to advance “a new model” of mil-to-mil relations, said Little. “The two leaders discussed how to enhance strategic trust and build upon opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, peacekeeping, and maritime safety,” he said. They also agreed to continue dialogue on cyber, missile defense, nuclear, and space issues, and discussed ways to enhance communications to improve understanding and avoid misperception, said Little. (AFPS release)