Free Republic

Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers arrived in Japan today on the first leg of a nine-day, four-country trip. Visits will include China, where the chairman will continue constructive military-to-military contacts. He will also journey to Mongolia and Australia. In talks with Japanese military and defense leaders, Myers will thank Japanese allies for their support in the global war on terrorism and for sending personnel and money to help rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan. He will also consult with Japanese leaders about their participation in missile-defense efforts. Myers, who once commanded U.S. Forces Japan, is familiar with the...

WASHINGTON - Vice-President Hu Jintao, the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit the Pentagon, agreed in his meeting with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that their representatives should start discussing the sensitive issue of military contacts, cut off since last year's EP3 spy plane crisis. While this was not yet an agreement between the two powers to restore military-to-military contacts, it was nevertheless a 'hopeful' sign, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis told The Straits Times. Contacts have been approved case by case since the EP3 standoff in April last year. Some low-level engagement is still allowed, including attendances by their military officers...