Note of improved ties

W HEN THE Army bands of China and the United States sat shoulder to shoulder at Beijing's National Center of Performing Arts last week, it was a significant moment, not only for the realms of music and entertainment.

It was the first time the two bands have played together on a Chinese stage, and marked another step in improving military ties between Beijing and Washington.

During its visit, the 76-member U.S. military band performed two more concerts with its Chinese counterparts in Nanjing and Shanghai. The performances are part of this year's series of exchanges between the two militaries, which were put back on track last year after military-to-military exchanges between China and the United States had remained dormant for a long time.

But besides forging friendly ties through music, the sight of the two bands playing the same songs signals hope that the two countries can foster friendly relations.

Both countries know the world wants them to expand cooperation, reduce disputes and keep their differences at bay. For its part, China always has looked to the larger picture of Sino-U.S. ties and is willing to work with the United States to advance bilateral ties.

China Daily, Beijing