China has called on the United States to build a stable and cooperative military-to-military relationship to serve as a cornerstone for overall bilateral relations. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, emphasized the importance of non-conflict and non-confrontation, open and substantive cooperation, and the gradual accumulation of mutual trust between the two nations’ armed forces.
“On the basis of equality and respect, such a military-to-military relationship would serve as a cornerstone for stability in overall China-U.S. relations,” Wu said, highlighting that despite recent ups and downs, the two militaries have maintained dialogue and cooperation, keeping a generally stable relationship.
Wu urged both countries to “bear in mind the greater good” and inject more certainty and positive energy into a turbulent world. He called on the U.S. side to work with China in the same direction, adopt a positive and rational view of China’s growth and military development, and prioritize peace, stability, and credibility as the basic principles of military engagement.
Addressing comments made by the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the recent ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, Wu refuted accusations that China’s activities in the South China Sea are “coercive.” He noted that Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun had responded to these “groundless accusations” on the spot.
Quoting Minister Dong, Wu said, “The U.S. side prods and connives with a country to make provocations in the South China Sea for its selfish gains, which severely undermines regional peace and stability.” He added that the root causes behind these acts lie in entrenched Cold War mentality and hegemonic thoughts.
Wu reaffirmed China’s commitment to handling disputes through friendly consultation and urged the U.S. side to “stop fabricating lies, making provocations, and stirring up trouble,” cautioning against going further down the wrong path.
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China-U.S. military ties should serve as cornerstone for stability
cgtn.com
