Beijing: Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates held their first phone talks today, in which the Chinese official pushed for an end to US-Taiwan military ties, state media reported.

Liang, who was appointed to the post in March, said the contact signalled an important step in long-term and strategic Sino-US interests, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement from the Defence Ministry.

During the call, Liang called on the United States to end arms sales and military ties with Taiwan and Gates told him that they would stick to the "one-China" policy, Xinhua said.

Taiwan split from the mainland in 1949,and China has threatened to invade if it formally declares independence. Taiwan-US military ties and weapons sales have been a source of discontent for China.

Source : PTI