Chinese, U.S. defense chief vow to boost new type military ties (2)

Hagel expressed condolence for the 154 Chinese passengers on the missing Malaysian Airline MH370 on behalf of the United States.

Grateful for the opportunity to visit China's only aircraft carrier Liaoning, Hagel hoped that the two sides could enhance cooperation, so as to jointly cope with major challenges.

Hagel spoke positively of the current development of bilateral military ties, stressing that the U.S. will firmly support the development of the U.S.-China new type of military relations.

He called on the two armed forces to actively expand the areas for cooperation, constantly conduct substantive dialogues, beef up cooperation on humanitarian relief and anti-piracy, and manage and control their differences with a responsible and constructive manner, so as to reduce misjudgment and risks.

During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

The Chinese defense minister expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the U.S. House of Representatives passage of a Taiwan-related bill.

He also refuted the false remarks and actions by some U.S. defense and government officials recently on the Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea issue, urging the U.S. side to correct their mistakes and safeguard regional peace and stability with concrete actions.

Chang said the U.S. should fully recognize the high complexity and sensitiveness of issues mentioned above and respect China's position and major concern.

He said the U.S. should fulfill its commitment on taking no position and not taking sides on territorial disputes, so as to avoid sending wrong signals.

After the meeting, the two defense chief attended a press conference.

As guest of Chang, Hagel arrived in Qingdao City of east China's Shandong Province on Monday for a four-day visit. He paid a visit to aircraft carrier Liaoning on Monday afternoon and arrived in Beijing later in the evening.

It is Hagel's first China visit as defense secretary.