US, Chinese military chiefs agree to avoid damages over bilateral ties

World Today

Competition not confrontation. China and U.S. military chiefs agree to try to avoid further damage to bilateral ties between the two countries.

For more details, CGTN’s Su Xiaoxiao reports.

Wei stressed mutual trust and respect as keys to avoid confrontation. He also said China will not step away from Taiwan and South China Sea issues.

Mattis said competition doesn’t mean confrontation, and the Pentagon will continue military communications with China.

Their meeting comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Earlier this week, U.S. flew two B-52 bombers near the South China Sea for what it said was a “routine training mission.” Beijing said it will take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereign and security interests.

The Pentagon said the mission was consistent with international law.

Two weeks ago, a U.S. warship was warned off after it sailed within the 19 nautical kilometers territorial limit claimed by China.

Military ties between China and the U.S. have deteriorated after the U.S. imposed economic sanctions against the Chinese army’s logistics department last month.

Pentagon believes that China violated U.S. sanctions against Moscow by purchasing Russian fighter jets.

China said the deal is normal and in line with international law.

Later, both sides seemed to be holding back from further military communication.

Beijing recalled its naval chief from Washington during his visit. An annual bilateral security and diplomatic dialogue kilometers also canceled.


Sourabh Guptas of ICAS discusses military relations between US and China

CGTN’s Mike Walter speaks with Sourabh Gupta, senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies on defense ties between China and the U.S.