Moscow, August 18 (KCNA) -- The Russian newspaper Nezabisimaya Gazetta July 28 carried an article titled "China-U.S. Military Exchange Has Long Way to Go to Reach Confidence Building".

Some time ago, China warned that U.S. reconnaissance flights near the country were hurting confidence between the two countries and hampering the bilateral military ties and urged the U.S. to respect the country's sovereignty and security interests, the article said, adding:

But Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated such flights would continue, an apparent sign of turning down Beijing's demand.

Two weeks ago, Mullen visited China and had talks with Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. At that time he said the contact with China's top military officials inspired him with hope.

Back home, however, he said the U.S. would never give up its commitments to its allies and partners.

Analysts are of the view that his remark has a clear meaning. At the talks Chen Bingde told Mullen that not only the Obama Administration's promise to sell 6.4 billion dollars worth of weapons to Taiwan but the reconnaissance flights and approach of vessels near China were impeding confidence building.

The fact goes to prove that distrust between the two countries remains unchanged with no side willing to make a concession.

Now the U.S. is afraid that the Chinese army has modernized itself rapidly. U.S. officials believe that China is getting ready to challenge the U.S. in the west Pacific that has been under control of the U.S. Seventh Fleet for more than half a century.

They are citing as proof the launch of China's first aircraft carrier, test of stealth bomber and modern submarines and development of 1 000-mile-range missile capable of striking U.S. carriers.