The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Beijing

China and the United States agreed on Monday to open a military hotline as U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates held talks in Beijing aimed at strengthening ties overshadowed by years of mistrust.

Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said the two countries had directed technical experts to press ahead with consultations, but neither gave a timeline for when the link might be opened.

Both Gates and Cao stressed a desire to build a closer relationship between their militaries, but mutual wariness remains.

Gates said last week he did not currently see China as a threat to the United States. But Beijing is engaged in a rapid military buildup and Washington says it has yet to adequately explain the reasons behind it.

"The United States has a relationship with China that is candid, constructive and cooperative," Gates said On Monday.