Chinese counterpart General Liang Guanglie say they believe the military-to-military
relationship between the United States and China is heading in the right direction.
The two officials met Friday on the sidelines of the sidelines of the 10th annual
Asia Security Summit. U.S. officials described their meeting as cordial.
Gates opened the talks by telling General Liang he was hopeful for the future of
U.S.-Chinese relations.
“As I leave office at the end of this month, I do so believing that our military
relationship is on a more positive trajectory,” said Gates.
He highlighted his visit to Beijing in January and other high-level defense
exchanges, as well as the planned trip to China next month for the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen.
General Liang said he also sees positive progress in Beijing's and Washington's
military-to-military relationship.
According to Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell, the Chinese defense minister thanked
Gates for his personal efforts in narrowing the gap in the relationship between the
two countries.
Despite the kind words, Friday's meeting comes as U.S. authorities investigate the
search engine Google's allegations that hackers from China stole email passwords of
senior U.S. officials. Beijing has denied responsibility.
A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said after the
meeting that the two leaders discussed points of friction, including China's
concerns over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
However, the official added that the two leaders did not discuss cyber issues.
Earlier in the day, Gates met with Japan's defense minister and Malaysia's prime
minister.
He also held talks with Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, who joined Gates in
voicing support for Washington's continued engagement in Asia and for its
cooperation in addressing transnational security threats and enhancing regional
security.
Gates is scheduled to deliver the opening address for the Shangri-La Dialogue
Saturday morning.
This is his fifth and final Asia Security Summit as U.S. defense secretary before he
steps down on June 30.
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