Top Chinese general to visit US

In the highest level military-to-military exchange in two years, a top Chinese general would visit the US next week to hold discussions with his American counterpart, Pentagon announced.

Terming it as a significant development, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said general Xu Caihou, the second-highest ranking uniform official of the Chinese army, would be visiting a number of US military installations during his week-long stay, beginning October 24.

"General Xu is China's second-highest ranking uniform officer, and is scheduled to be in the United States between October 24 and October the 31st. There are a number of high level meetings scheduled with General Xu and other senior US officials, including a dinner hosted by secretary (of defence Robert) Gates," Morrell said yesterday.

"Since the secretary's visit to China approximately two years ago, the two countries are committed to fostering a better and deeper strategic dialogue, especially better trust and transparency between our two militaries," Morrell said.

General Xu will visit the United States Naval Academy, Fort Benning, Strategic Command, Nellis Air Force Base, the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego and Pacific Command, the Pentagon spokesman said, adding, the visit is reciprocal to Gates visit to China two years ago.