Healthy, sound ties expected with Pentagon

Imminent switch in US defense secretary may require efforts to build mutual trust

With a change in leadership at the United States Department of Defense, China hopes that the military relations between the two countries will remain "healthy and sound", although experts said there might be new uncertainties as top military officials in both countries may need time to build mutual trust.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis said last week that he would be leaving next year. US President Donald Trump announced on Twitter on Sunday that Mattis would leave by Jan 1, at which point Patrick Shanahan, the now deputy secretary, will become the acting head of the department.