This follows a trip to China in April by Martin Dempsey, US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Meanwhile, Hagel is expected to pay a return visit to China in 2014, according to the outcome document of the fifth round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue held in Washington a week ago.

The S&ED outcome document also said the two nations are committed to strengthening their military-to-military relationship.

Both have decided to actively explore a notification mechanism for major military activities and to continue discussions on the rules of behavior on military air and maritime activities.

Senior military officials also attended the dialogue.

On July 16, Vice-Admiral Scott Swift, commander of the US Seventh Fleet, dismissed claims of a cold war between China and the US and emphasized the friendly relationship that is being developed.

US media reported last week that the US has agreed to let Chinese naval vessels make port calls at US naval bases.

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