Maturing military ties with US help build trust

Considering that Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to pay a state visit to the United States in September and a rift over the South China Sea between Beijing and Washington has heightened tensions in the region, the significance of Vice-Chairman of Central Military Commission Fan Changlong's visit to the US last week goes far beyond bilateral military ties.

Mutual trust, cooperation, non-conflict and sustainability are the key words needed to describe the relationship between China and the US, and the consensus reached between the two militaries during Fan's visit and their joint pledges to enhance bilateral military cooperation will help deepen strategic mutual trust and avoid strategic misjudgment.

By taking concrete steps in areas where they are willing to cooperate, the two militaries will better understand each other's concerns and strategic intentions, and this in turn will help them efficiently control risks and reduce misunderstandings.