Timothy Keating, commander-in-chief of the US Pacific Command, repeated the US readiness to promote military ties with China on Wednesday upon concluding his four-day China tour.

Keating left Guangzhou, capital of the southern Guangdong Province, on Wednesday afternoon. Before that, he met with Zhang Qinsheng, commander of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guangzhou Military Area Command.

Keating told Zhang he has a very strong will to promote the development of ties between the two armed forces and he hoped both sides can strengthen understanding and expand cooperation in more fields.

Zhang hailed the "sound and steady" development of China-US military ties in recent years, saying he believed the two armed forces can further enhance mutual understanding and trust through joint efforts.

He reiterated the government's position on the Taiwan issue, saying China will by no means tolerate "Taiwan independence" and never allow any one to separate Taiwan from China in any name or by any means.

Keating also gave a speech at a navy command college in Guangzhou in which he said the United States hopes to develop exchanges and cooperation with Asia-Pacific nations, including China, to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region.

The US military official arrived in Beijing on Sunday afternoon for the visit, which also took him to Shanghai. This wash is second visit since last May.

The trip came as part of increasing high-level military exchanges between China and the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2008)