Permanent normal trade relations would advance the cause of peace in Asia and promote change in China, the president said. U.S. and Chinese defense officials discussed a range of re- engagement issues here Jan. 25 and 26. Walter Slocombe, undersecretary of defense for policy, and Xiong led the talks. One of the first contacts will be a visit to China in the coming months by Adm. Dennis Blair, commander, U.S. Pacific Command. U.S. and Chinese officials also plan to discuss how the military can help respond to humanitarian and natural disasters.
Officials also plan to resume discussions on military maritime arrangements.
Cohen later said the pact strengthened U.S.-Chinese military ties and established a mechanism for regular communication between the two nations' militaries. Events also will be consistent with applicable legislation, such as the fiscal 2000 defense authorization act signed by Clinton in October, Slocombe noted. The act limits military exchanges with China to prevent the Chinese from gathering intelligence about defense technology. During the talks, Slocombe said, U.S. and Chinese officials also discussed global, regional, and bilateral issues, including the U.S. Asian-Pacific strategy. He said he stressed that the Asia-Pacific region is a critical U.S. interest and that the U.S. military presence there is a factor for regional security, essential to developing democracy, economic prosperity and increased respect for human rights.