China and the US are looking to restore military relations after resuming defense talks that have been in limbo for the past 18 months.
Senior defense officials from both countries concluded the 10th annual round of defense consultations on Wednesday, the highest-level defense dialogue since President Obama took office.
Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army said that China wanted to develop military relations with the US based on the principles of mutual respect, trust, reciprocity and mutual benefit. Ma hoped that the US would take substantial measures to remove barriers that hindered their military relations.
The defense consultations were suspended after the Bush administration announced a $ 6.5-billion
The two sides, discussed Taiwan, the security situation in the Asia-Pacific region, anti-terrorism efforts, the Korean nuclear issue, the Iran nuclear issue and nuclear disarmament.
The Chineses believe that US arms sales to Taiwan were the biggest factor undermining bilateral military ties.
China also stated its opposition to US planes and ships entering China's exclusive economic zone, while expressing a willingness to maintain consultation with the US side on related issues.
This round talks marks the resumption of the deputy-ministerial level defense consultations. The last such meeting was in December 2007.
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