US calls for more contact with China military

The United States called Wednesday for more interaction with China's military, as the two nations try to build trust over defense-related issues and a broader relationship.

"More still needs to be done to ensure that our defense and military establishments both have greater... interaction with one another," US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters.

The two nations also need to develop "rules of the road for how we cooperate in the future", he said on a trip to Beijing that comes two weeks after China staged an eye-opening military weaponry show in a National Day parade.

Campbell, whose visit is partly aimed at laying the groundwork for US President Barack Obama's visit to China next month, was due to meet Chinese defense officials.

"It is incumbent on the United States and China to take steps... as our two militaries increasingly operate in proximity to one another, that we establish procedures... so that we can avoid crises and miscalculations," he said.

Source: People's Daily online/Agencies