Beijing: China and the US must build mutual trust

China and the US must explore ways to establish a pragmatic and cooperative relationship between their militaries and "gradually to build mutual trust", said Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, quoted by Reuters and BTA.

Dunn said this in a telephone conversation with his American colleague Lloyd Austin. In it, the Chinese minister added that the Taiwan issue is "at the forefront of China's core interests", which should never be compromised.

Therefore, according to Dong, the US must respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, as well as its interests in the South China Sea.