Washington and Beijing agree defence co-operation measures

CHINA and the US agreed on measures yesterday to boost defence co-operation, including setting up a hotline, but clear differences remained over Beijing’s military build-up.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said he raised “uncertainty over China’s military modernisation and the need for greater transparency to allay international concerns” in talks in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Cao Gangchuan.

Mr Cao defended China’s rapid growth in military spending and, according to Mr Gates, did not address US concerns about a Chinese anti-satellite missile test earlier this year. However, the two did announce agreements on increased co-operation and a direct phone link between their defence establishments for quick communication in times of crisis.