Chinese Defense Minister, Cohen Sign Military Maritime Agreement

U.S. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen and Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian today signed an agreement aimed at avoiding clashes or accidents between warships of their countries at sea, the New China News Agency reported.

The Military Maritime Consultation Agreement is a further sign of warming relations between China and the United States. The pact was signed in Beijing’s Zhongnanhai Leadership Compound.

“As our naval and air forces have more contact, the agreement will increase understanding and reduce the chances of miscalculation,” Cohen said.

Chi said the accord “serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples and also contributes to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.”

Earlier today, Cohen and 14 senior U.S. officials toured a secret Chinese air defense center in what U.S. officials described as a breakthrough with China’s wary military.

Cohen and the other American officials, including the admiral who commands the United States’ Asia-Pacific forces, were taken to the regional command center in China’s capital during a visit to discuss closer military cooperation with top Chinese leaders.

While Cohen has stressed that no U.S. arms sales to China are now planned, he and Chi were also completing plans for expanded exchange visits by senior and junior military officers.