Hagel, Senior Chinese Official Meet at Pentagon

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2013 – Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and China's State Councilor Yang Jiechi met at the Pentagon today to discuss the United States-China military relationship, the Defense Department announced.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi at the Pentagon, July 12, 2013. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett    (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Hagel expressed DOD's support for the Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the related Strategic Security Dialogue and Cyber Working Group. The defense secretary was pleased that the day-long security dialogue expanded this year to include nuclear policy and missile defense issues.

The defense secretary also affirmed the importance of the inaugural cyber discussion, which will serve as a platform to build better understanding and increase practical cooperation in cyberspace and enhanced cooperation on regional security issues of concern to both the United States and China, including North Korea.

Hagel congratulated State Councilor Yang on his promotion, and the two leaders discussed their shared history and friendship that stretches back many years to their previous positions in government service.

The defense secretary told State Councilor Yang that he looks forward to hosting China's Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan at the Pentagon next month