美国防部长抵达青岛开始访华
US Defense Secretary Chuk Hagel has arrived at China’s eastern port city of Qingdao and kicks off his three day China tour. Before coming to the country, Hagel says he is willing to talk with the Chinese officials on expanding military cooperation as well as taking the chance to air differences on the disputes. CCTV reporter Han Bin looks at aim of Hagle’s visit and the improving yet fragile military relationship between the two armies.
When US Defense Secretary Chuk Hagel to arrive in Beijing, he is ready for straightforward dialogue with his Chinese counterparts.
"China is a great power. And, with this power, comes new and wider responsibilities is that how you use that power." Chuk Hagel said.
Hagel begins his Asian tour with a Defense Forum with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean. The US is reinforcing its links with the ten member group.
He then went to Japan, to stress the US commitment for protecting the country’s security.
But his third stop could be most challenging, as he is to make clear US strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region, where China also has overlapping interests here.
"What we don’t want is some miscalculation here to occur." Chuk Hagel said.
Military-to-military contacts have long been regarded as the weakest link in China –US relations. So, Hagel’s visit is trying to strengthen it. This is in line with the new type of relationship between great powers agreed by the Presidents of the two countries. And for military, it’s characterized by no conflict and win-win cooperation.
"Healthy, stable, reliable and continuous military to military relations are an essential part of our overall relationship between the United States and China." Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
Aside from overlapping interests, they two sides also disagree on many issues. China sees the US pivot to the Asia-Pacific is to pursuit dominance in the region. And China is speeding up its military modernization to enforce its claims over disputed maritime territory. Other issues of contention include US arms sales to Taiwan and US surveillance activities on China. Washington is still concerned about Beijing’s military buildup, and also seeking greater transparency on China’s military programs. China says it takes two to build trust.
"It’s important for China and the US to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns. We must avoid vicious competition and even confrontation in this area." Gen Fang Fenghui, Chief of PLA General Staff said.
Though Hagel’s China visit may not likely to forge new agreements, there is, however, a growing recognition between the two sides, that both countries should engage with one another to work on preventing a conflict that would be destructive to both sides.
Over the years, China-US military relations have forged ahead despite twists and turns. Amidst the frictions, the two militaries have worked out a mechanism to improve trust, and cooperated with mixed results. Both are keenly aware of conflicting national interests on a number of issues-and even more aware the most important thing is to keep the lines of communications open.
