Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan arrived in New York on
Friday for an official goodwill visit to the United States.
Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a
state councilor, came at the invitation of US Secretary of Defense
Donald Rumsfeld.
Cao said at the airport that both China and the United States
are countries that carry considerable weight and shoulder major
responsibilities in the world.
China and the United States share a broad range of common
interests and a broad basis for their cooperation on issues
concerning international and regional security and the promotion of
world development and progress, Cao said, adding that both
countries have the desire to strengthen cooperation in this
regard.
The development of a constructive and cooperative relationship
between China and the United States is in keeping with the
fundamental interests of the two peoples and is also conducive to
peace, stability and development in the world, Cao said.
China and the United States now enjoy good momentum for
development of bilateral ties and the two meetings between Chinese
President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush this year are
of great significance to the healthy, stable development of the
bilateral ties, he said.
Noting that fresh progress has been made in bilateral exchanges
and cooperation in various fields, the Chinese defense minister
said his current visit is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding,
seeking common ground while reserving differences, strengthening
bilateral military exchanges, and promoting the healthy, stable
development of bilateral military ties.
During his visit, Cao will meet US government and military
leaders, exchange views with Rumsfeld on international and regional
security and other issues of common concern, and visit US military
units and schools.
(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2003)