Top military officials from China, U.S. hold virtual meeting

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Senior military officials from China and the U.S. held a virtual meeting on Thursday, following an agreement between the two heads of state in November to resume military communication.

Liu Zhenli, member of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) and the chief of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, emphasized the need for communication and cooperation between the two militaries based on equality and respect. He believes that this approach will contribute to stabilizing and improving bilateral ties, as discussed during the meeting with CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S.

Liu stressed that the key to developing healthy, stable and sustainable military relations lies in the U.S. having the right perception toward China. This should be done with the premise that the U.S. genuinely respects China’s core interests and major concerns, he said, highlighting the importance of promoting pragmatic cooperation and boosting mutual understandings.

Regarding the Taiwan question, Liu stated that it is China’s internal affair that allows no external interference. He vowed that the Chinese military would resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition, Liu emphasized that the U.S. should earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. He urged the U.S. to speak and act with caution, safeguard regional peace and stability, and contribute to the overall situation in China-U.S. relations with practical actions.