The militaries of China and the United States are trying to increase their understanding of each other, this time through books.

At the National Defense University in Washington on Wednesday afternoon, Fang Fenghui, chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army, presented 19 different books, 350 copies in all, to Major General Gregg Martin, president of NDU.

The books cover a wide range of Chinese historic, cultural, political and military subjects.

"I believe such an academic exchange is also important for the development of bilateral, military-to-military relationship," Fang told several dozen Chinese and US participants at a ceremony.

He also hoped that each country's university for developing national security strategy plays a role in further strengthening exchanges.

"Some of the books, such as The Art of War by Sun Tzu, may look familiar to you, as I heard President Martin say that the school teaches the book," Fang said.

Martin said Sun Tzu is his favorite strategist and that he is looking forward to reading the book.

In return, Martin presented Fang with eight books written by NDU's faculty and students on Chinese militaries, US-China strategic relations as well as US military history.

Fang said China-US relations entered a critically important historical stage when the two nations' leaders, President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama, reached a consensus to build a new type of relationship between the major powers and their militaries.

"The principle of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win is the right path for the two nations and their militaries in building their relationship in this new period of history," he said.

Fang said that although bilateral ties have experienced a number of twists and turns, the relationship has generally been moving forward.

"I always believe the future will be better and brighter," he said, adding that both sides should consolidate, maintain and develop the relationship's positive momentum.

Martin described the books he received as timely strategic wisdom to build bridges of knowledge and to strengthen security and peace.

"So these are the best possible investments you can make in building this relationship and trust, to make a better world between our two great nations," he said.

Fang is on a five-day visit to the US at the invitation of General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, who visited China in April last year at Fang's invitation.

On Tuesday, Fang visited the US 3rd Fleet in San Diego, California, and met Admiral Samuel Locklear, commander of the US Pacific Command, who took Fang on a tour of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the USS Ronald Reagan.

Fang also visited the USS Coronado, a combat ship, and the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.

Fang and Dempsey will hold talks on Thursday before meeting reporters. Fang will then depart for a visit to the US Army Forces Command Headquarters in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily 05/16/2014 page2)