Washington (CNN) -- China's top military officer said Wednesday there is a "gaping gap" between the militaries of the United States and China.
In the first visit to the United States in seven years by a Chinese military official of his rank, Gen. Chen Bingde said the United States and China need to work together despite their differences.
In a speech at the National Defense University in Washington, Chen warned that relations suffer when China is ignored. But, he said, "it is natural and necessary for the two militaries to work together toward a peaceful and stable landscape."
Addressing concerns in the United States and other Western countries over China's military development, the chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army said, "A gaping gap between us remains,"
Chen is a guest of his U.S. counterpart, Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, in an effort by the U.S. military to create a more open communication line between the two countries, an issue Secretary of States Robert Gates has long said is vital.
While in Washington, Chen is meeting with Gates and Mullen, as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.
A concert was held Monday night in his honor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Chen will also visit Naval Station Norfolk, Fort Stewart, Nellis Air Force Base and the U.S. Army's National Training Center.
Chen said he has invited Mullen to visit China as soon as possible.
Chen confronted his American hosts head-on Wednesday over the issue of American arms sales to Taiwan.
On the issues of a possible sale of F-16's to Taiwan, Chen labeled such arms sales as interference in Chinese domestic affairs. Asked whether arms sales would have an impact on relations between Washington and Bejing, Chen replied: "My answer is affirmative -- it will."
"Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. That is known to all. Since it is part of China why will it need the United States weapons sales to guarantee its security," Chen asked.
At a late afternoon news conference with Mullen at the Pentagon, Chen repeatedly emphasized U.S. military superiority over China.
"Through my visit over the past couple of days in the United States I am surprised by the sophistication of the U.S. military, including its weapons and equipment and doctrines and so on," Chen said. "I can tell you China does not have the capability to challenge the United States," Chen said.
Chen said the Chinese people would object to too much military spending or an effort to catch up to the U.S. superpower status. "The Chinese people would simply say no."
Mullen and Chen released a list of six measures to build cooperation between their two countries, including joint exercises, training in disaster relief and various exchanges and visits.
Despite their differences, Mullen called their talks very frank, in depth and fruitful.
"We can't wait until we are in a crisis before we start to understand each other," Mullen said.
Mullen said the goal was a better future for both leaders' children and grandchildren. "And that does not include a conflict between China and the United States," Mullen said.
Chen officially confirmed that the test of a new generation Chinese military jet during Gates' visit to China was a J-20 Stealth fighter, but said the scheduling was not a provocation.
"Secretary Gates' visit to China in January coincided with the test flight of our J-20 stealth fighter," Chen said. "Secretary Gates also has expressed his belief that it is part of our routine test flight and it is not targeted at his visit whatsoever."This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.
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