China has called for stronger military ties with the United States to promote global stability. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, emphasized the need for a military-to-military relationship characterized by non-conflict, non-confrontation, openness, and substantive cooperation.
“On the basis of equality and respect, such a relationship would serve as a cornerstone for stability in overall China-U.S. relations,” Wu stated.
Despite ups and downs in recent years, Wu noted that the two nations’ militaries have maintained dialogue and cooperation. “As two major countries, China and the United States should bear in mind the greater good and inject more certainty and positive energy into a turbulent world,” he added.
Wu urged the U.S. to adopt a positive and rational view of China’s growth and the development of its military. He called on both sides to prioritize peace, stability, and credibility as fundamental principles in military engagement.
Addressing recent comments by the U.S. Secretary of Defense accusing China of “coercive” activities in the South China Sea, Wu said Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun refuted these “groundless accusations” during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus. According to Wu, Minister Dong pointed out that the U.S. is stirring up trouble by encouraging other countries to provoke China in the South China Sea, undermining regional peace and stability.
Wu attributed such actions to what he described as a Cold War mentality and hegemonic thinking. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving disputes through friendly consultations and urged the U.S. to stop making provocations and refrain from going further down the wrong path.
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China-U.S. military ties should serve as cornerstone for stability
cgtn.com
