Chinese, US military commanders discuss issues of mutual interest

MOSCOW, September 10 (Sputnik) – The Chinese commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s Southern Theater Command and the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command discussed issues of mutual interest during a video call this week, the two militaries said.

“General Wu Yanan, Commander of the PLA Southern Theater Command, had a video call with the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J. Paparo this morning, during which the two sides exchanged in-depth views on issues of common concern,” the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The US Indo-Pacific Command said US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to resume high-level military-to-military communication between the Pentagon and the PLA during a meeting in November.

“During the call, Paparo underscored the importance of sustained lines of communication between the U.S. military and the PLA, noting that such discussions between senior leaders serve to clarify intent and reduce the risk of misperception or miscalculation,” the Command said.

In November, President Biden met with President Xi on the sidelines of the leaders’ summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in San Francisco. The two presidents agreed to reestablish military-to-military contacts at senior levels and resume meetings of the China-US maritime security consultation mechanism.