U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and China's Army Chief Liang Guanglie on Thursday tested out a new hotline aimed to improve communication between their militaries, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon said the establishment of the hotline was “a reflection that the overall U.S.-China defense relationship continues to improve.” “Secretary Gates congratulated General Liang on his recent promotion to minister of defense and welcomed this important step forward in enhancing communications between our militaries,” Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. Liang took over the defense portfolio last month.
