China Calls for Stronger Military Ties with U.S.

China wants to heighten its military ties with the United States, but remains resolute in its stance that Washington not interfere in the territorial dispute with Taiwan, the Associated Press reported today.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that a U.S. congressional delegation yesterday heard from National Defense Minister Cao Gangchun that China wants military ties to better reflect the political relationship between the two countries.

“We are glad to see our military ties gradually resume and develop in recent years with joint efforts on both sides,” Cao said.

Washington has called on China to be more transparent about the buildup of its nuclear arsenal and military, AP reported (Cassie Biggs, Associated Press, Jan. 11).