Singapore – State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Liang Guanglie launched intensive bilateral talks with counterparts on Friday at the sidelines of the on-going Shangri-La Dialogue.

Liang met with the US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in the afternoon, the first bilateral meeting of both sides, and agreed with Gates that the two militaries are back on a positive trajectory now.

Liang called the two to regard each other as true and sincere partner rather than opponent in the meeting, saying that they need to really enhance practical cooperation.

In later meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phung Quang Thanh, Liang said that maritime sovereignty disputes should be solved through friendly negotiations and bilateral talks between countries concerned.

Phung Quang Thanh echoed his words, adding that disputes over the South China Sea should be solved between the two countries without any attempted interference or harm to the bilateral ties from a third party.

Liang also met with Indian Minister of State for Defense M M Pallam Raju, and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who as the leader of the host country of this summit, warmly welcomed Liang's attendance.