Xi puts military ties in the spotlight(2)

But it will take time for the two countries to totally understand each other, Shen added.

Shi Yinhong, an expert on international studies with Renmin University of China in Beijing, said positive remarks by US military officials might not be translated into concrete action.

"Panetta's words are positive, but we must notice the difference in what the US says and what it really does," Shi said.

During his meeting with US President Barack Obama, Xi warned the US against protectionist measures, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Trade friction between China and the US should be resolved through dialogue, not protectionism, Xi said.

Obama said the US welcomes the peaceful rise of China.

"I have always emphasized that we welcome China's peaceful rise, that we believe that a strong and prosperous China is one that can help bring stability and prosperity to the region and to the world," Obama said.

But the US president urged China to play by what he called internationally accepted rules on trade.

"We want to work with China to make sure that everybody is following the same rules of the road when it comes to the world economic system, and that includes ensuring that there is a balanced trade flow between not only the US and China, but around the world," Obama said.

Chinese officials and experts earlier said the trade imbalance between the two countries is shrinking.

Although China enjoyed a trade surplus against the US last year, US exports to China outgrew its imports, highlighting the Asian powerhouse's crucial role as an increasingly important market for US goods and services.

US exports to China reached $122.2 billion in 2011, up about 20 percent from the previous year.

'Core interest'

During his meetings with Obama and US Vice-President Joe Biden, Xi stressed China's fundamental interests.

Xi urged Washington to conform to the spirit of the three joint communiques underpinning China-US relations during his meeting with Obama.

The Obama administration in September notified the US Congress of its decision to sell arms worth about $6 billion to Taiwan, including upgrades for 145 of Taiwan's fighter jets.

Though not speaking specifically about the arms sale, Xi called on the US to take concrete action to safeguard the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Straits.

Xi said the Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remains, as always, the most important and most sensitive issue in China-US relations.