US, Chinese defence chiefs talk cooperation despite tensions

US Defense Secretary James Mattis met his Chinese counterpart in Beijing today, aiming to find areas of cooperation despite a mounting military rivalry between the two superpowers.On his first ever visit to China, the Pentagon chief was greeted at the headquarters of the People's Liberation Army by an honour guard and marching band playing the US and Chinese anthems.
In opening remarks, Defence Minister Wei Fenghe called the visit critical "to increase the strategic trust between our countries." He said Mattis' words "carry weight in both the military and political circles back in the United States."

China's purpose was "intimidation and coercion," Mattis said at the time.Beijing argues that the islands are Chinese territory and says it has the right to install military facilities to protect its sovereignty.No official agreements are expected out of the visit, with the Pentagon chief saying he wants to take a measure of his counterparts to assess their long-term strategic intentions.
He also will discuss Chinese cooperation in pressuring North Korea to agree to a denuclearisation programme, currently being negotiated between Washington and Pyongyang.