BEIJING, Oct. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Senior Chinese military officer Guo Boxiong told visiting US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Wednesday that China is ready to make joint efforts with the United States to promote pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries.

    In their meeting Wednesday evening, Guo, vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission, said Sino-US relations have maintained sound momentum and stable development. Chinese President Hu Jintao and US President George W. Bush reached an important consensus on pushing forward constructive and cooperative Sino-US ties in the 21st century during their meeting in New York not long ago.

    "Such consensus is of great significanceto promoting healthy, stable development of Sino-US ties," he said.

    He acknowledged that China and the United States are both very influential nations in the world with commensurate responsibilities in safeguarding world peace and stability in Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

    China attaches great importance to developing nation-to-nation and military relations with the United States, which not only complies with the fundamental interests of both nations and peoples, but also benefits regional and world peace and stability,Guo said.

    He regarded Sino-US military ties as a very important part of bilateral relations, saying that China holds a very positive attitude towards pushing forward bilateral military ties.

    Guo said the Taiwan issue is the "most important and sensitive"problem between China and the United States. To oppose and curb Taiwan's independence and maintain peace and stability across the Straits conforms to the common interests of the two nations, he said.

    "We hope the US government will honor its commitment and work with China to oppose and curb Taiwan's independence in a bid to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

    Guo also briefed Rumsfeld about China's army building.

    Rumsfeld expressed pleasure over the current growth of US-Chinapolitical and economic ties. He hopes that the two countries will enhance cooperation in anti-terrorism and bird flu control, and further improve bilateral ties.

    Rumsfeld said he closely follows the growth of US-China military ties and hopes that the two sides will further increase mutual understanding, narrow differences and promote development.

    Rumsfeld arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a three-day visit as guest of his Chinese counterpart Cao Gangchuan. This is his first visit to China as Defense Secretary since he took office in January 2001, and the second visit by a US Defense Secretary since 2000. Enditem