Rules needed to avoid military clashes: Expert

To avoid future military conflicts, guidelines should be established between China and the United States with full respect for China's interests and tradition, a Chinese expert said in response to a recent speech made by a US official.

In a clear sign of recognition of China's growing military might, Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell admitted in a speech that the most populous nation will become more militarily active in Asia and will "rub up" against US forces in the future.

Pan Zheng, a senior expert in US strategy at the National Defense University, told China Daily yesterday that "the rules are necessary for both sides, but they must be made by the two countries with respect to China's interests and traditions."