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The military-to-military ties between the United States and China have a vital role to play in the development of an active, cooperative and comprehensive bilateral relationship, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told retired generals from both countries here on Thursday.


In a meeting with participants of an exchange forum between retired generals of the two countries, Clinton said President Barack Obama attaches great importance to the growth of interactions between the two militaries. Exchanges between retired generals of the two militaries, Clinton said, could play an important role in facilitating a healthy development of military-to-military relationship between the United States and China.


Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said at a separate meeting with the retired generals that the Obama administration fully supports exchanges of this kind and hopes that such interactions could continue on a regular basis.


Through in-depth and extensive dialogues of this kind, Campbell said, the two militaries could increase mutual understanding and trust and promote growth of constructive cooperation between the two sides.


Xiong Guangkai, former vice-chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, is heading the Chinese delegation.



Xinhua

netawhile

This is the topic that emphasizes a bilateral relationship building block between China and the U.S.   Military and defense are among the highest design and production needs in the world.  The cost of military production is a non-efficient use of money, especially in the U.S.  The cooperative efforts between China and the U.S. could reduce the design cycles and design cost because of reduced redundancy.  There are also areas to improve efficiency drastically in the production of common military materials.  China has developed the manufacturing expertise that could support the items used in military exercises and patrolling of areas that trouble both country's interests.

This takes non-defense related design and manufacturing up to a higher notch to the forefront of necessity to meet a need of national defense and protection of commerce.  The joint efforts of the two sides could be a win-win in finding solutions.