US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Peter Rodman arrived in Beijing yesterday for a three-day visit with officials from the Chinese army and Foreign Ministry, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said yesterday at a regular briefing.
While military exchanges between China and the US are two-way and reciprocal, Liu admitted that the two countries have different environments and views on the principles of such military exchanges.
"The crux is that the two sides have the wish to conduct exchanges, enhance trust and develop relations, and narrow their differences through contacts and dialogue based on respect, equality and reciprocity," said Liu.
Liu also said that Rodman's visit coincides with one to the United States by Chinese Vice- Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang went to the United States last Saturday to exchange views with US officials on Asia and make policy consultations on international issues of common concern.
Al-Qaida link denied
Liu denied that China provided military training for the Taliban and its al-Qaida supporters as reported by the Washington Times.
"China has never offered military training for the Taliban and al-Qaida supporters," Liu said.
The Washington Times report said that China's military provided training for Afghanistan's Taliban militia and its al-Qaida supporters. Liu described the report as "groundless."
Reiterating China's wish to develop ties with Afghanistan, Liu also added that the Chinese Government has always adopted a clear-cut stance of opposing terrorism in all forms and has participated actively in international co-operation in anti-terrorism.
In the latest development in this regard, China and the US conducted their second round of discussions on anti-terrorism last Friday.
(China Daily June 26, 2002)
