U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in Singapore on Saturday that there is reason to be optimistic about the U.S.-China military relationship.

He made the remarks while speaking at an annual Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which opened Friday.

"The United States shares common interests with China on issues like terrorism, counter-proliferation, and energy security," he said.

He pointed out that "there is some difference between 'capacity ' and 'intent'", though Washington is concerned about "the opaqueness of Beijing's military spending and modernization programs."

"I believe there is reason to be optimistic about the U.S.- China relationship," said the U.S. defense chief.

He also said two countries have increased military-to-military contacts between all levels of their militaries, and most recently dramatized when General Pete Pace, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "sat in the cockpit of the top-of-the-line Chinese fighter during his last visit."

He also pointed out that two countries have a huge economic and trade relationship, citing the American company Walmart as a example, "if WalMart was a country, it would be China's eighth largest trading partner."

"As we gain experience in dealing with each other, relationships can be forged that will build trust over time," he added.

He elaborated U.S. policy on Asian security first ever since he took office as U.S. Defense Secretary last December.

He said that the U.S. engagement in Asia has been central to America's approach to global security for many decades through multiple administrations of both political parties.

He added that far from neglecting Asia, the U.S. is more engaged than ever before, though it has been too focused on Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots.

The three-day Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by the London- based International Institute for Strategic Studies, gathered defense ministers and top officials from 26 countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe to address major regional security issues and defense cooperation.

Source: Xinhua