Chinese defense minister meets U.S. navy chief

Source: Xinhua | 04-21-2009 20:03

QINGDAO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead here on Tuesday on the sidelines of a four-day celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

During the meeting, Roughead offered congratulations to Liang, and expressed his hope that naval forces of the two countries would deepen exchanges and cooperation in the future.

Liang said China attached great importance to the Sino-U.S. military relations, and had made active efforts to promote their ties.

Maritime security consultations and joint rescue exercises carried out by the two countries in recent years have enhanced exchanges between the two navies, he noted.

On the basis of mutual respect and benefits, the PLA Navy was willing to make joint efforts with its U.S. counterpart to properly handle disputes and sensitive issues between the two sides in accordance with the agreement made by heads of the two countries, he said.