China is "open" to military exchanges with the United States, and is willing to promote bilateral defense and security cooperation, said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing on Thursday.

 

Tang made the remarks when meeting with a delegation of the American Foreign Policy Council led by Richard Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US armed forces.

 

Tang said China, as a peace-loving country, always pursued a national defense policy, which is defensive in nature. The Chinese government was willing to work with the US side to expand exchanges and enhance mutual trust, so as to help maintain the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole.

 

The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on Sino-US relations and on Taiwan issue.

 

Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to the US in April this year, which is of great importance to the development of bilateral relations.

 

Tang said the Chinese government would make joint efforts with the US to actively carry out the consensus achieved by the two presidents, take the common interest of the two countries and each other's concerns into consideration, strengthen dialogue, mutual trust and cooperation, and properly handle sensitive issues, in a bid to advance constructive and cooperative relations.

 

Head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Wang Jiarui also met with Myers on Thursday, and they exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2006)