Opinion: Closer China-US military ties conducive to global stability

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A fruitful visit by the top US military officer to China bodes well for closer bilateral military ties, which would play a constructive role in managing security crises and safeguarding stability and peace around the world.

Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), a body of uniformed leaders in the US Department of Defense, kicked off his visit to China on Tuesday for further military-to-military cooperation between the two countries.

Dunford exchanged views with his Chinese counterpart Fang Fenghui over issues including the Korean nuclear crisis and the South China Sea, and signed a framework agreement on a China-US joint staff dialogue mechanism, seen as a highlight during his three-day stay.

The document, which aims to improve communications between the two militaries and reduce the risk of miscalculations, is a key part of efforts made by China and the United States to jointly maintain stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific as well as the world at large.

Military interactions between the world's top two economies have been considered to be in need of more attention in overall China-US relations.

General Joseph Dunford (front L), chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Fang Fenghui shake hands after signing an agreement at the Bayi Building in Beijing on August 15, 2017. /AFP Photo

With joint efforts in overcoming difficulties, China and the United States have witnessed increasing military links in recent years by enhancing military exchanges and strengthening pragmatic cooperation.

A year earlier, China took part in the US-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise, the world's largest international maritime maneuver to enhance inter-operability among Pacific Rim armed forces. As a senior Chinese official said, it was the beginning of a new type of China-US military ties heading in a healthy and stable direction.

What's more, the two militaries have intensified exchanges with a series of high-level reciprocal visits and frequent contacts and consultations for better management of differences and deepening of mutual trust.

Dunford's China trip came after his visit to Seoul amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula as Pyongyang and Washington repeatedly exchange irritating words.

General Fang Fenghui (L), chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, review an honour guard during a welcome ceremony at the Bayi Building in Beijing on August 15, 2017. /AFP Photo

Although the tensions show some signs of abating, the nuclear crisis remains a potential threat that will undermine regional stability.

Therefore, it is of vital importance for the two countries at this moment to maintain closer cooperation and coordination to avoid strategic miscalculations and help work out diplomatic solutions for a denuclearized Korean peninsula.

The significance of military relations between China and the United States goes well beyond national boundaries as they are among the world's most influential powers.

With their growing importance, the two countries, despite their disagreements, must focus more on their common interests to help create a more stable and peaceful world

(This piece was originally published in Xinhua News Agency. The article reflects the author’s opinion, and not necessarily the view of CGTN.)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency