US President George W. Bush said Wednesday that the United States is committed to promoting bilateral relations with China and the military ties between the two countries.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld (R) escorts Chinese Minister of National Defense General Cao Gangchuan, past an honor cordon at the Pentagon, October 28, 2003. [Reuters]

Bush made the remark during a meeting with visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, who is also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and a state councilor.

Extending welcome to Cao's visit, the president said the US side attaches importance and is committed to promoting Sino-US relations and the bilateral military ties. He added that he will continue to give support for the development of relations between the armies of the two countries.

Bush recalled his recent meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Bangkok, Thailand, which he said has produced positive results and is of great significance.

Bush said he is looking forward to the forthcoming visit to theUnited States by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. He noted that it is beneficial to the two sides and the world at large for the two countries to enhance mutual understanding and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and that the US administration and he himself will continue to work for the development of Sino-US relations.

For his part, the Chinese defense minister said the improvement and development of Sino-US relations not only serves the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries, but also contributes to promoting peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world.

Meetings between heads of state of the two countries and high-level exchanges of visit have tremendously enhanced the development of the constructive and cooperative relations between China and the United States, he said.

Continuous progress has been made in recent years in bilateral exchange and cooperation between the armies of the two countries, thanks to efforts made by the two sides and support given by leaders of the two countries, he said.

Describing Tuesday's talks with US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as positive, constructive and fruitful, Cao said he believes that greater progress will be achieved in relations between the two armies through concerted efforts, as the two countries share broad and important common interests.

Cao, who on Wednesday also met with US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, the presidential security adviser, arrived here Monday for the first visit by a Chinese defense minister since 1996.

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