Panetta's remarks represent the latest effort by the US to build stronger military relations with the People's Liberation Army, said AFP, while analysts said the US stance toward China and Japan is often contradictory and its fundamental goal is to maintain a dominating role in international affairs.

Before arriving in Beijing, Panetta started his weeklong Asia trip with a visit to Japan.

While he was there, Tokyo and Washington agreed to install a second missile-defense radar system and the MV-22 Osprey military aircraft was given the go-ahead to begin flight operations in Japan on Wednesday.

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.

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