Military officers of the United States and China have agreed in their meetings to further promote contacts and dialogues in military field, visiting Commander of US Pacific Command William Fallon told reporters in Beijing Wednesday.

Invited by Liu Zhenwu, commander of the Guangzhou Military Area Command, Fallon arrived in Beijing Monday for his first China tour after assuming his current post.

Fallon said he had very good meetings with Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission, Liang Guanglie, chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of PLA General Staff, on Tuesday, respectively.

He will also meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Wednesday.

Fallon said he and senior Chinese military officers agreed it is of great importance for the two sides to enhance military exchanges and cooperation.

The two countries have deepened their cooperation in the political and economic fields, he said, adding that their military contacts should also be enhanced to counter challenges of all kinds and safeguard regional security and stability.

He believes bilateral exchanges in the military field are "an important step" in US-China strategic dialogue. The two armed forces should promote exchanges at different levels, he said.

US President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao are likely to realize mutual visits. US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfield is looking forward to visiting China coming October, he said. The frequent high-level visits and deepening of bilateral ties not only bring concrete benefits to both sides, but also benefit to regional peace and stability, he said.

As to the Taiwan issue, Fallon said United States' policy remains unchanged. His country adheres to the one-China policy and hopes the issue will be settled through peaceful means.

Besides Beijing, Fallon will visit Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, and visit some military facilities.

Source: Xinhua