Liang Guanglie, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), conferred in Beijing Wednesday with Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US Armed Forces, in which they agreed to promote bilateral military relations.  

Liang, also a member of the Chinese Central Military Commission, said Sino-US relations have maintained an overall good momentum for growth.

Leaders of both nations had constant exchanges of views and strategic discussions on bilateral, international and regional issues, which helped to promote mutual trust and friendship, noted Liang.

He said that the enhancement of bilateral friendship and cooperative relations benefited regional and world peace and stability.

A sound and stable relationship between the two armed forces would contribute to the growth of constructive and cooperative relations, he said.

Liang also enunciated on China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue.

Myers said a sound relationship between the two big nations and their armed forces was crucial to safeguarding international and regional stability.

Facing a new international security situation, the two armed forces could cooperate in various areas, he said, adding that the United States was willing to promote the growth of constructive relations between the two armed forces.

Myers also said the US government adhered to the one-China policy, and hoped to maintain stability in the Taiwan region.

(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2004)