China, US vow to deepen military relations

　　BEIJING - Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong met with Michael Vickers, visiting US under secretary of defense for intelligence, on Wednesday, vowing to enhance their military ties.

　　Fan said China-U.S. military ties have enjoyed sound development under the efforts of leaders of both countries.

　　He cited "two confidence-building agreements" the defense ministries signed in November, saying the move is a new highlight of China-U.S. military ties.

　　Under the two agreements, Chinese and U.S. militaries will establish a mutual reporting mechanism on major military operations and a code of safe conduct for naval and air encounters.

　　"In the new year, I hope we will work together to enhance exchanges and coordination," Fan said.

　　"In particular," he said, "the U.S. should respect China's core interests and major concerns and appropriately handle Taiwan-related issues."

　　Vickers said both armed forces will benefit from a new model of military relations, and he expected the concrete implementation of the leaders' consensus.