On January 14, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with visiting Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command Timothy Keating in the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, Yang said the relations between the two countries and their armed forces have made further progress in 2007 with frequent high-level exchanges. Both China and the United States are influential countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. It is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples for both sides to strengthen exchanges, increase strategic trust, expand common interest, properly handle differences and ensure sustained, sound and steady development of bilateral ties, said Yang, adding that it is also conducive to promoting peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Yang said proper handling of the Taiwan question is key to sound and stable development of the Sino-U.S. relationship. "The Chinese side appreciates the United States government's adherence to the one-China policy, and its opposition to the Taiwan authorities' efforts at 'referendum on Taiwan's U.N. membership'," he said. Yang expressed hopes that China and the United States will work together in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The naval officer said the United States attaches great importance to the peace, security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, in which China is playing an increasingly important role. Keating, who is on a four-day visit to China, aired hopes for candid and fruitful talks with the Chinese side on his trip to build up mutual understanding. Keating hoped that the two armed forces will strengthen personnel exchanges and invited Chinese military officers to visit military schools and academies in the United States. He noted that the stance of the United States on the Taiwan question is clear. The United States follows the situation across the Taiwan Strait, and hopes the area remains peaceful and stable, he said.