China views military ties with the United States from a strategic prospective, and holds an active attitude towards the development of the relations, says the country's Defense Minister Liang Guanglie.

Liang made the remarks in Beijing on Tuesday while meeting with visiting US Marine Corps Commandant James Conway. The two discussed a wide range of topics including the Taiwan issue.

China is looking forward to working with the United States to promote mutual trust, remove obstacles and expand cooperation, so as to make a positive contribution to the development of the bilateral constructive relationship of cooperation.

Liang stressed China would continue to strive for a peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost efforts with regard to the Taiwan issue.

He urged the US side to continue to adhere to the one-China policy, honor its commitment on the opposition of "Taiwan independence" and abide by the three Sino-US joint communiques, to stop military communication with Taiwan and selling weapons to Taiwan, and maintain the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Conway said the US policy towards Taiwan was persistent and had not changed as a result of the recent Taiwan leadership election.

He hoped the two sides could arrange more communication and exchanges of visits among young officers, which would promote the bilateral military ties.

Conway, who was invited by Navy Commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Wu Shengli, arrived in China on Sunday for a six-day official friendly visit.

(Xinhua News Agency April 1, 2008)