China seeks a healthy relationship amid growing tensions

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Military tensions are rising between China and the US with Beijing calling on Washington to value healthy and stable relations. That's the message from the Ministry of National Defense at its monthly press conference on Thursday.

The US Department of Defense has published a new national defense strategy, shifting the priority from anti-terrorism to countering China and Russia.

“We face growing threats from revisionist powers as different as China and Russia are from each other, ” said Jim Mattis, US Defense Secretary.

Wu Qian, Spokesman of Chinese Ministry of National Defense. /CGTN Photo

Last week, the Hopper guided missile destroyer came within 12 nautical miles of Huangyan Island, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by its military ally, the Philippines. China says it has indisputable sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters, and it vows necessary measures in the future. It also criticized what it considers provocative action by the US.

Despite rising tensions, the Chinese military wants to get matters on an even keel. Spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense Wu Qian said that favorable development of relations between the two countries, would need the concerted efforts from both sides.

“We’d like to work with the US side in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual trust, and practical cooperation, to add positive energy to relations, and inject new impetus into the relationship,” Wu Qian also said.

Wu Qian went on to say the Chinese military will participate in this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise, and carry out high-level exchanges with the US as scheduled.

Bird eye’s view on the islands in the South China Sea./ CGTN Photo

He added China welcomes the visit from US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in the first half of this year to China. The two ministries are keeping in close contact regarding this visit.

Mattis is on a visit to Asia to boost the US presence in the Pacific. For China, the real thinking behind the US military's moves is becoming even more important than ever.