CHINA: U.S. Pacific command's new leader Admiral Timothy Keating offers China a closer relationship with the U.S.

US Pacific Force Command head Admiral Keating offers China a closer relationship with the U.S. but remains critical of Chinese anti-satellite manoeuvres. The U.S. Pacific command's new leader Admiral Timothy Keating is in Beijing to visit Chinese leaders and military heads on Saturday (May 12). He is making his tour as part of his introduction to his new role as commander of the U.S. force stationed in the region. His summary of the Chinese military powers was that they are growing and he hoped American and Chinese army relations would grow with it. "They have more submarines than they used to, their airforce is more technologically advanced and sophisticated. Their army is big and has significant capability resident area, so we're not naive to those developments. We're interested in them and it is our effort to maintain, our primary focus is to maintain peace and stability throughout the region with all of our partners and allies within the region, one of whom is China," said Admiral Keating. He added that his talks with military officials have included discussions on aircraft carriers. He believed that the Chinese generals were interested in expanding in that direction. He stated that China's anti-satellite test sent a "confusing signal" about its military intentions, adding he would use his post to push for deeper exchange and openness between the countries' forces. "An anti-satellite test is not necessarily a clear indication for a desire for a peaceful utilisation of space. It is a confusing signal, shall we say, for a country who desires, in China's words, a peaceful rise," said Admiral Keating. Adm. Keating, who took the helm of the Pacific Command two months ago, said Guo Boxiong, the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, emphasised to him that Beijing's intentions in the test were purely scientific. He reiterated the United States position on Taiwan and confirmed that it had been mentioned in discussion with Chinese leaders.

ITN Source | May 12, 2007

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