Senior Chinese military officer stresses strategic trust in Asia

A senior Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) officer has called on countries in the Asian Pacific region to enhance strategic trust and handle conflicts and differences appropriately to build a better future for all through cooperation. Zhang Qinsheng, deputy chief of the General Staff of the PLA, made the appeal on the seventh Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference which was held in Singapore from July 28 to 30. He elaborated on three topics in his keynote speech which was entitled "A Better Future for All Through Cooperation", including the future of Asia Pacific, shared responsibilities and the PLA Army. He said the history of Asia Pacific was one of hardships and suffering. For a long time in history, Asia Pacific was in all its glory, leading the evolution of the world civilization. In the modern times, it witnessed clash of civilizations as the oriental agricultural civilization gradually gave way to the thriving industrial civilization, Zhang said. "Reflecting on the past two centuries, what we long for more than anything else is a peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific free from war and turbulence," Zhang said. "Asia Pacific today is faced with both opportunities and challenges. In the 21st century, with the world paying more and more attention to this dynamic region, an Asia Pacific age is upon us," he said. However, hope comes amid obstacles, and opportunities coexist with challenges, Zhang added. Regional flashpoints are yet to be settled, ethnic and religious conflicts remain acute, and natural disasters, cross-border crimes and terrorism are constantly threatening regional peace and security, Zhang noted, adding that security problems from outside the region may induce more destabilizing factors here.