China, US reach consensus on military cooperation

China's defense minister told reporters after his talks with Hagel on Tuesday that he and his US counterpart reached important consensus during their talks.

Chang Wanquan noted that the two sides will implement the consensus reached by Chinese president Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Barack Obama to develop a new model of military-to-military relations based on the new model of China-USrelations, work together to push forward steady and healthy bilateral military ties.

Chang said both sides positively evaluate the development of military-to-military ties and are willing to have more communication and practical cooperation.

According to Chang, both sides will positively advance a process of establishing a mutual notification mechanism of major military activities and the standards of behaviors of air and sea safety on high sea, in an effort to achieve substantial results as soon as possible.

The two sides also agree to embark on a dialogue mechanism between the two land forces, Chang said, adding that they will have more discussions about anti-terrorism.

Chang said both sides agree to hold an Asia-Pacific security dialogue between the two defense ministries and exchange views of common concern,the two militaries will have joint medical rescue operations after the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC).

China and the US will continue to strengthen military-to-military cooperation on regional and international issues to maintain the peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region, Chang said.

As guest of Chang, Hagel arrived in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province on Monday for a four-day visit. He visited aircraft carrier Liaoning on Monday afternoon and arrived in Beijing later in the evening.

It is Hagel's first visit to China as defense secretary.

It is the third meeting between Chang and Hagel since they each took office last year.