China and the US should adopt a correct attitude towards the strategic intents of one another in order to promote steady and healthy bilateral ties, Chinese delegates said on Wednesday at the first China-US diplomatic and security dialogue in Washington, D.C..
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi co-chaired the inaugural event with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis at the US State Department. Fang Fenghui, a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, was also in attendance.
China's strategic priorities are to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development, Chinese representatives said during the meeting. They noted that China is committed to forging a path of peaceful development, promoting a new type of international relations based on win-win cooperation, and building a community of human destiny.
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (1st R) co-chairs a diplomatic and security dialogue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (1st L) and Secretary of Defense James Mattis (2nd L) as Fang Fenghui (2nd R), a member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, at the dialogue in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 21, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
The US officials said Washington has no intention to contain or weaken Beijing. They noted that the US is willing to enhance cooperation with China and promote peace, security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region through dialogue and cooperation with China.
The diplomatic and security dialogue is one of four high-level mechanisms agreed on during Chinese President Xi Jinping's summit with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, in April. The other three, which are expected to be held later this year, are talks on economy, law enforcement and cyber security, and social, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The new discussion mechanisms replace the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue held during the Obama administration.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets his US counterpart Donald Trump (L) in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, US on April 7, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
China, US agree on enhancing military ties
During Wednesday's dialogue, both sides agreed to further promote military relations, including arranging exchange of visits between defense ministers from both countries. A visit by Joseph Dunford, Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, to China will be arranged as soon as possible.
Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as humanitarian rescue and disaster prevention, anti-piracy fight and military medical research, and noted they would work to establish memorandums of understanding in these sectors.
China reiterates rejection of THAAD deployment
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor launching from a THAAD battery on November 1, 2015. /VCG Photo
China also repeated its calls to the US to halt the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) in South Korea.
In July 2016, Seoul and Washington announced their plan to install the US anti-missile system battery by the end of this year in the southern county of Seongju, 296 kilometers southeast of the capital Seoul.
China has repeatedly voiced its strong opposition to the THAAD deployment, saying it seriously damages the strategic balance in the region and harms the strategic security interests of relevant countries in the region.
As for the DPRK's nuclear program, China reiterated its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and its resolution to maintain peace and stability there, urging a comprehensive and strict implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
China hopes US keeps promise on South China Sea issue
A Chinese passenger aircraft takes off at the newly-built airport on the Nansha Islands on January 6, 2016. /VCG Photo
China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters, Chinese officials said during the meeting. They pointed out that the US should honor its commitment to take no position on the South China Sea issue, and respect China's sovereignty and security.
China has long insisted that the resolving South China Sea disputes lies in discussions with claimants, and maintains its stance of taking necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.
US renews vow to adhere to 'One China' policy
The US side also vowed to adhere to the "One China" policy, acknowledged that Taiwan is part of China and expressed opposition to any separatist activities.
During the meeting, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi noted that bilateral relations have well progressed since the Mar-a-Lago meeting.
Xi and Trump will meet at the upcoming 2017 G20 Hamburg Summit in July, and Trump is expected to pay a state visit to China within this year.
