The United States has appealed to China to restore military ties, despite friction about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
Speaking to reporters at a security conference in Singapore Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said China's decision to break off military-to-military contacts earlier this year could undercut regional stability.
Gates said it is clear interruptions in the U.S. military relationship with China will not change Washington's policy toward Taiwan.
Beijing broke off military-to-military contacts after the Obama administration notified Congress in January of a plan to sell Taiwan up to $6.4 billion worth of arms.
China also refused a proposed visit by Gates during his trip to Asia.
Gates said the arms sales are not a threat, because Washington does not support independence for Taiwan.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
