State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe held phone talks with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on March 3.

Wei briefed Esper on the situation of prevention and control against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China.

He said the Chinese and US armies should earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, adhere to the general principle of coordination, cooperation, and stability, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation in the spirit of equality and mutual respect, and promote the development of Sino-US relations along the right track.

Esper praised the efforts made by China, especially the Chinese army, to prevent and control the epidemic.

He also said the US side is willing to conduct closer dialogues and consultation between the two armies and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas including epidemic prevention and control.