US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense David Sedney will head an American delegation for a two-day defense meeting with the People's Liberation Army in Beijing today. Both sides are due to exchange views on bilateral military ties and issues of common concern.

The resumption of the high-level military talks between the two countries is expected to play a constructive role in pushing forward bilateral ties. Military exchanges between Beijing and Washington have been suspended since last October because of a planned $65 billion US arms sale to Taiwan.

Facing the global financial crisis and other severe global challenges requires a commitment to maintaining and developing a stable, healthy and constructive relationship. It will not only be in the interests of both peoples, but will also help to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole.