Dialogue at the Pentagon a major boost for Sino-US ties
The mainland's top military official met US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon - the highest-level military dialogue between the two countries since a mid-air collision over Hainan five years ago strained ties.
The meeting on Tuesday was the latest step in an expansion of military relations between the powers.
General Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was received with an official honour cordon.
The general said the purpose of his visit was to increase exchanges and co-operation between the two armed forces. He expressed the hope it would help enhance mutual understanding and trust and foster friendship, Xinhua reported.
The two sides agreed to conduct joint maritime search and rescue exercises this year and further promote exchanges between military academies and young officers of the two armed forces, said Xinhua.
Pentagon officials described the meeting as a success. A spokesman said issues covered included 'North Korea, US-China defence relations ... and US-PLA naval co-operation such as search-and-rescue exercises'.