China, U.S. hold first meeting of joint staff departments

BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States held the first meeting between their joint staff departments on Wednesday and Thursday in Washington, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, on Thursday.

The talks were led by Major General Shao Yuanming, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, and Lieutenant General Richard Clarke, director for strategic plans and policy of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Department of Defense, Wu said at a regular press conference.

The two sides discussed how to advance cooperation between the two departments and improve crisis management and communication, he said.

"This meeting has helped enhance mutual understanding and trust, expand common ground and manage risks," he said.

The Chinese and U.S. militaries held joint drills on humanitarian relief and disaster rescue in Portland, Oregon, from Nov. 13 to 21.

Wu told the press that both sides were content with the outcome of the drill, adding that China is willing to enhance cooperation and exchanges with the United States in all aspects.

According to Wu, the drill was based on data from real situations, followed standard protocols for relief and rescue by multinational troops, and was open to observers from other countries and international organizations. Enditem