Relations between the Chinese and US militaries were improving and developing thanks to the promotion by the two heads of state and the efforts of the two defense ministries, said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Friday.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a State Councilor, made the remark in a meeting with visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Lee Armitage, and the two sides had "cordial and friendly talks," said a source with the Defense Ministry.

In the 25 years since China and the United States forged diplomatic relations, Cao had said, relations had generally moved forward despite occasional twists and turns.

China actively encouraged the development of military-to-military relations and was willing to further advance such ties with the United States, Cao had said.

Cao also outlined China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue, according the source.

Armitage expressed the "same appraisal" of relations and hoped "to see further growth of state-to-state and military-to-military relations," the source said.

Armitage's visit runs from Jan. 29 to 31, Zhang said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2004)