General Song Puxuan, head of China's Central Military Commission's Logistics Support Department, has interacted warmly with his counterparts from the United States as well as other military officials from 28 nations, including Japan and Australia which are both staunch U.S. Allies.
The friendly interaction happened during the Asia Pacific Military Health Exchange held in Xian, China. The event has more than 600 participants from all over the world.
Reuters reported that China highlighted its cooperation with the U.S. military as a trade war between the two nations continues to escalate. Other issue faced by the two countries includes Washington's vocal support of Taiwan's autonomy. Washington is also heavily involved in the South China Sea where Beijing has overlapping territorial claims with Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia.
China and the United States are also faced with matters involving infrastructure building in the Asia Pacific region. U.S. president Donald Trump decided to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal in 2017.
China saw Trump's withdrawal as an opportunity to offer its Belt and Road Initiative to the countries in the region. The United States, however, has matched the scheme with what Trump called the Indo-Pacific investment strategy which involves ventures in technology, energy, and infrastructure in the region.
At the Asia Pacific Military Health Exchange, both countries set their difference aside to discuss important matters concerning the health of military personnel. The Global Times reported that China presented its findings on how to prevent disease and injuries for combat troops. Beijing has also displayed its new medical equipment and aircraft vehicles for military health operations.
Rear Admiral Louis Tripoli, command surgeon of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, described the presentation and interaction as "very good talks." He thanked China for organizing the event and hoped that Beijing recognized the importance his country gave for the event.
Chen Jingyuan, head of health at the Logistics Support Department, was equally optimistic about the assembly. The official said the meeting could pave the way for the two militaries to eventually engage in more amicable ties, particularly in issues concerning military health for the Asia Pacific.
Meanwhile, at a separate summit being held in Singapore, Robert Kaplan, a senior advisor at consulting firm Eurasia Group said the United States needs to accommodate China as a rising military player in the Asia Pacific region.
Washington should be open to a more multi-polar military environment in Asia as it is the only nation without a territorial claim inside the region, Kaplan explained as reported by CNBC. If the United States could maintain an open mind, a more peaceful military balance of power may rise in the Asia Pacific.
