Military ties on US navy admiral's agenda

BEIJING - The US navy admiral nominated to become the next commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM) said on Thursday that he plans to improve the country's military relationship with China, should Congress approve his nomination.

Samuel Locklear III, who currently serves as commander of the US Naval Forces in Europe, made the statement on Thursday during a confirmation hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee. If his nomination is approved, he will succeed Robert Willard as the chief of about 325,000 military personnel.

He said that greater cooperation between the Chinese and US militaries will reduce tensions and give greater clarity and transparency to bilateral relations.