"Key to this is that the two sides should respect and take care of each other's core interests and concerns, and at the same time properly deal with divergences and sensitive issues," Geng said.

China in January 2010 postponed bilateral military programs and security talks in response to the US government approving shipments of advanced weapons to Taiwan.

Relations were later resumed with talks between lower-ranking officials, followed by meetings on maritime safety and protocol.

Geng said that the two militaries maintain effective communication and dialogue through defense talks, consultations on maritime safety and other channels.

"We hope the US can help create a good atmosphere for the healthy and stable development of bilateral military-to-military relations," he said.

Major General Luo Yuan, a military researcher at the Academy of Military Sciences, said bilateral military ties are the most sensitive part in Sino-US relations.

Referring to the Defense Ministry's regular news conferences, Luo said it is an important step and reflects the military's sincerity regarding transparency.

The news conferences will allow the public to see the development of national defense and will help build up greater trust between China and other countries, Luo said.

The ministry introduced the system of using spokespersons in May 2008 after the 8.0-magnitude Wenchuan earthquake and has held eight news conferences since. The last time the ministry opened its floor to media questions was on March 30, when it released information on the defense white paper.