China- US military relations at ‘ new starting point’ with Biden administration

In a move analysts said China sent a signal of communication and cooperation to manage risks, militaries of China and the US recently held a meeting over the search for the remains of US prisoners of war and missing- in- action personnel, as the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday that China- US military relations are at a new starting point with the Biden administration, but warned it is impossible for the US to contain China if it remains determined to do so.

“To contain China, Mission Impossible!” said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson of China’s Ministry of National Defense, in English at a regular press conference on Thursday, while commenting on the challenges faced by the Chinese and US militaries in their relations during the Trump administration. Looking into the future, as Joe Biden became president on

January 20, Wu said that military relations between China and the US are now at a new historical starting point, and China hopes the new US administration can work together with China in enhancing dialogue, focusing on cooperation, managing differences.

And pushing for a healthy and stable development in China- US ties based on the spirit of non- conflict, non- confrontation, mutual respect and mutual benefit, he said.

China and the US have started pragmatic exchanges in 2021, as the two militaries held a video conference on Tuesday to Wednesday on the search for the remains of US prisoners of war and those missing in action, and deep exchanges were made over cases the US is concerned about and the cooperation between the two militaries, the spokesperson revealed, noting that this showed China’s attention to US concerns in the humanitarian field.

The move is a vital part in enhancing military exchanges with the US, and is a sign that China wants to avoid any accidents or conflicts and manage risks that neither country would like to see through more communication, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Wu said that China expects the US to meet China half way with the same professional spirit.