Chinese leaders on March 22 warmly welcomed Marine Gen. Peter Pace here as he began a visit intended to expand military-to-military contacts between the United States and the world's most populous nation. It is the chairman's first visit to China after many years of military service in Asia. "Our military, economic and political ties are important to peace in Asia and the world," Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said. "This visit is very important to the militaries of both nations. I truly believe the future is very bright for U.S.-Chinese cooperation."
Chinese military leaders honored Pace with a troop review at the Defense Ministry's Bayi Building, near Tiananmen Square. His counterpart, People's Liberation Army Gen. Liang Guanglie, hosted the event and held the first meeting with the chairman.
Pace discussed a full range of concerns with the Chinese military leaders. On the Taiwan issue, the chairman said he told the Chinese leaders that U.S. actions in this respect are dominated by the "'One China Policy,' the 'Three Communiques' ( between the United States and China ), the Taiwan Relations Act and a sincere desire to see reunification done in a peaceful manner." (Source: PressZoom, March 22, 2007).