Pentagon Chief 'Committed to Improving US-China Defense Relationship'

© REUTERS / Jonathan ErnstRetired U.S. Marine Corps General James Mattis testifies before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on his nomination to serve as defense secretary in Washington, U.S. January 12, 2017
Retired U.S. Marine Corps General James Mattis testifies before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on his nomination to serve as defense secretary in Washington, U.S. January 12, 2017 - Sputnik International
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In talks between top US and Chinese officials on Wednesday, Secretary of Defense James Mattis said that he is committed to improving bilateral defense relationships.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Mattis said in a press conference after a meeting with Chinese counterparts on Wednesday that he is committed to enhancing the US partnership with China in the defense sector.

"I am committed to improving the US-China defense relationships, so it remains the stabilizing element in our overall relationship," Mattis stated. "Our two nations can and do cooperate in mutually beneficial ways."

Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson discussed a number of issues with Chinese officials — State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Chief of the People’s Liberation Army General Staff Gen. Fang Fenghui — at the first US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue in Washington, DC.

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis gestures during a press briefing on the campaign to defeat ISIS at the Pentagon in Washington, U.S., May 19, 2017 - Sputnik International
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The countries' officials agreed to test out new ways of military collaboration, including "exchange of officers to improve transparency and mutual understanding," Mattis added.

Moreover, he stressed that the participants of the talks decided to prioritize working on mechanisms critical to risk reduction between US-China forces and to keep effective lines of communication.

Mattis underlined that President Donald Trump's administration continues to seek a "constructive and results-oriented" partnership with Beijing.

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