US to blame for strained bilateral military ties, defense ministry says

Sino-US military engagement is "not in a state of suspension", but the bilateral military relationship is facing many obstacles and the US is entirely to blame, China's Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Wu Qian made the remarks at a news conference in response to a question on Sino-US military exchanges, adding that both sides have maintained "candid and effective" communication through military diplomacy channels.

"However, Sino-US military ties are now indeed facing many difficulties, and the situation was entirely caused by the US," he said.

For some time, the US has been unreasonably attempting to contain China and grossly interfere in China's internal affairs by selling arms to Taiwan, said Wu, adding that the US military has also sent naval seamen and air force troops to China's vicinity to conduct provocative military operations.

"Moreover, the US refused to lift its unfair sanctions on our Central Military Commission leader," he said. "Under such circumstances, the Chinese military has every right to take resolute countermeasures."

Wu said dialogue and communication can't be carried out without principle and a bottom line.

"The US expects to harm China's national interests while carrying out exchanges with the Chinese military as if nothing happened," he said. "That is completely delusional."

China has called on the US to show sincerity and take concrete measures to create conditions to get Sino-US military ties back on the right track, the spokesman said.