Military to strengthen ties with US_美文_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Military to strengthen ties with US

As a Pacific country, the US hopes to improve cooperation with all Asia-Pacific countries, including China, said Locklear, and he called for more dialogue and less misunderstanding.

Despite differences over some issues, China and the US share common interests in many fields, and the two militaries should enhance exchanges and cooperation to safeguard such interests and build a safe international environment, he said.

Closer ties between the US and its Asian allies are widely interpreted as a measure to contain China. Shortly after concluding the US joint drill with Japan and the Republic of Korea, Washington is scheduled to kick off the largest-ever Rim of the Pacific naval exercises with 21 other countries on Wednesday.

Russia, India, Mexico, the Philippines, New Zealand, Norway and Tonga are participating in the exercises for the first time, according to the Stars and Stripes, a Washington-based newspaper.

It is notable that China was not invited to participate or observe the exercises that involve most of the Asia-Pacific countries, analysts said.

"We had 14 countries participate in 2010. We've got 22 this year, so I think that's an indication of the interest that countries have in participating in it and the value they see in this kind of unique training opportunity," Charlie Brown, a spokesman for the US Navy's 3rd Fleet, was quoted as saying.

The exercise echoes the recent statement from US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that US naval power in the Pacific will increase and the US will enhance ties with its allies in the region.