Talks With U.S. Lead to Military Visits Plan

China and the United States tentatively agreed to more exchanges between their militaries, helping bring a semblance of stability to often rocky ties between the distrustful defense establishments. Two days of talks between U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Walter Slocombe and a raft of Chinese generals exhibited the wavering dynamics that now characterize overall relations. But both sides mapped out plans, subject to final approval, for more high-level visits between their militaries next year, China’s participation in international defense forums and possible discussions on the military’s role in disaster relief, Slocombe said.