US pledges to boost US-China military ties

WASHINGTON - Commander of US Pacific Command Samuel Locklear pledged on Friday to continue to strengthen the US-China military relations to enhance the security in the Asia-Pacific.

Speaking at a Pentagon news briefing, Locklear said it is very important to ensure the US and China understand each other as China emerges, so to prevent miscalculation and have a positive influence on the security environment in the region.

Locklear, who assumed his post about three months ago, said he has been encouraged by the receptiveness from his counterparts in China's military and looks forward to having more exchanges of visit in future.

He revealed he will pay a visit to China in the next weeks, during which he will have conversations with senior Chinese military officials "in a very open and frank way".

"I think we're in a position in the coming months and years to continue to have a productive dialogue, because... it's very important for the security in the Asia-Pacific, for the US and China to be able to have a productive partnership," Locklear said.

The officer said while the US executes its much-trumpeted "pivot to Asia" strategy, the US will continue to build the alliances and partnerships that help ensure a security environment in the Asia-Pacific that will allow future peace and prosperity in this vast region.

"So we're going to look at our alliances and continue to strengthen them. We're going to look at key strategic partnerships and ensure that those are properly taken care of and properly articulated," said Locklear, who is in charge of the largest US command with about 320,000 US soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

On the maritime disputes in the region, Locklear said they should be resolved peaceably, and sometimes the involved parties have to make compromise in order to avoid possible conflict.

"There's enough resources, I think, for everybody in the world. We just got to figure out how to make sure that everybody has adequate access to them," Locklear said.

Meanwhile, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in late May that China will negotiate directly with relevant parties in regards to resolving disputes in the South China Sea.

"China has long been committed to safeguarding peace and stability by consulting with ASEAN nations and signing agreements, such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.