China’s Defense Minister Wei Fenghe told visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday that China and the United States can only jointly develop by maintaining mutual respect, cooperation, and non-confrontation.

Wei told Mattis that the two countries’ militaries should strengthen cooperation and control risks, according to a ministry statement.

The ministry also said Wei had made clear China’s positions and concerns regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea and North Korea during a meeting with Mattis.

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