Washington, DC -- House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement on the recent agreement to strengthen U.S.-China military-to-military relations and security cooperation:

 “I am pleased that President Obama and China’s President Hu Jintao recently agreed to strengthen U.S.-China military-to-military relations.  Military-to-military relations are critical in our efforts to promote understanding, prevent conflict, and foster cooperation in areas of mutual concern.

 “I am also pleased that the leaders agreed to work together for the settlement of conflicts and reduction of tensions that contribute to global and regional instability, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, and the situation in South Asia.  It is also encouraging that the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, and to resume and expand consultations on non-proliferation and other international security matters.  These are steps in the right direction with important national security benefits.”

###