BEIJING, June 13 -- "We hope the US side will stop playing up the alleged 'China threat', respect China's core interests," said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Friday.
The spokesperson made the remarks when being asked to comment on the expectations on China-US mil-to-mil relations. It is reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone call with US President Donald Trump at the request of the latter. President Xi pointed out that the two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military and law enforcement.
The spokesperson noted that China always upholds the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and stays committed to promoting a steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US military-to-military relationship.
"We hope the US side will stop playing up the alleged 'China threat', earnestly respect China's core interests and major concerns, and work with China towards the same direction to strengthen communication and dialogue, properly manage differences and enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust, so as to jointly improve and develop the relationship between the two militaries," stressed the spokesperson.