Gates discusses defense relationship

BEIJING, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates met with Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Cao Gangchuan Monday to discuss broadening defense relations.

Gates is on a six-day trip through Asia to meet with top officials. He says the defense relations between the two countries should expand as the United States and China's economic ties strengthen.

Taking steps to broaden the defense partnership, Gates and Cao agreed to implement a direct telephone link between the Pentagon and the Ba Yi building, where the meetings were held, the Defense Department reported.

“China’s increasing political and economic stature calls for this country to take on a greater share of responsibility for the health and success of the international system,” Gates said in a statement.

“We discussed the need to move forward and deepen our military-to-military dialogue including on nuclear policy, strategy and doctrine,” Gates said. “We agreed to enhance military exchanges at all levels.”

Officials say Gates and Cao also discussed the Chinese role in international issues such as Iran.

“We agreed that it is important to pursue efforts to persuade the Iranian government to change their behavior and policies peacefully, through diplomatic means,” Gates said. “And I would say I added the importance of continuing the increased economic pressures as a way of persuading the Iranian government to make different choices.”