Chinese Army deputy chief calls for 'strengthening cooperation' with US

Beijing, Nov 19(ANI): Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), General Ma Xiaotian, and Charles Freeman, a China specialist at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, have held a meeting to help improve the bilateral ties between China and the United States.

Addressing the media after the meeting that lasted almost two hours in Beijing, General Xiaotian said that the two countries should endeavour to find things in common despite their differences in some aspects.

"Strengthening cooperation between China and the United States will help the two countries, as well as the world, to cope with current challenges," Xinhua news agency quoted General Xiaotian, as saying.

He also said that the development of military relations between China and the US needed joint efforts.

Meanwhile, Freeman, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense, said that his visit to China was aimed at having a deeper understanding of the country.

"The two sides should continue to strengthen communication and dialogue to deepen their understanding and enhance mutual trust," Freeman said.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern. (ANI)