BEIJING - China and the United States should properly handle the problems between them with respect, mutual trust, equality and reciprocity so as to achieve new development of the military ties, a Chinese general said at a press conference on Monday.

Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, made the remarks after his talks with Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen.

"Only a country that respects others can gain respect from others," Chen said.

He added that the precondition for a stable military relationship between China and the United States is mutual respect, while the key is mutual trust, because without respect and trust, the development of ties will have no foundation.

"I hope heartfeltly that our US friends understand this and treat others in a modest manner and act cautiously," Chen said.

During his hour-long discussion with Mullen, the two sides talked about the South China Sea, the attitude of some US politicians toward China, cyber security, and China's military development.

Chen said the two spoke candidly and established a lot of common ground, though the two sides have different opinions on certain issues.

He urged both militaries to implement the consensus reached by their heads of state to push forward the development of bilateral relations.

Mullen's four-day visit is a reciprocal visit for Chen's trip in May to the United States, and Chen emphasized the importance of high-level exchanges.

"It's the first time that high-level officers of the two armed forces made visits within such a short time, and we are glad to witness the rejuvenation of bilateral military relations because they're hard-won and should be treasured," Chen said.

He added that he and Mullen have the responsibility and capability to contribute to the development of bilateral military relations.