US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has arrived in China for a three-day visit, as the military relations between the two countries have been strained, PressTV reported.
The Pentagon chief is scheduled to start negotiations with his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie and some top generals on Monday, AFP reported.
China's advanced weaponry and its pledge to resume investments in new armaments has deeply concerned the United States and provided impetus for the upcoming talks.
Mutual military relations between Beijing and Washington came to a halt last year when the US sealed a six-billion-dollar arms contract with Taiwan.
While China's ambitious military investments in sophisticated aircraft, missiles, ships and submarines are being supported by its economic boom, the United States is compelled to reduce some weapons programs due to its increasing fiscal pressure.
"They clearly have the potential to put some of our capabilities at risk. My hope is that through the strategic dialogue that I'm talking about that maybe the need for some of these capabilities is reduced," Gates said on Sunday.
China has reportedly tested a new stealth jet, known as J-20, which analysts believe has the radar-evading capability of fifth generation fighters produced by the United States, such as the F-22 and F-35.
According to Western military analysts, China is also developing an anti-ship ballistic missile that can penetrate America's strongest naval ships.
China's military budget has increased considerably in recent years. According to official figures, the country's defense budget is about $70 billion.
The meetings between the chiefs of defense will influence the Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States, which will be within the next few days.
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