Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates agreed to further promote China-U.S. relations at a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday morning.

Hailing the positive momentum of bilateral relations, Yang said President Hu Jintao would pay a state visit to the United States and the development of bilateral relations was facing a major opportunity.

"The two countries should have more dialogue, enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation," he said.

Gates said the U.S. government made efforts in the development of bilateral ties and hoped to strengthen dialogue and mutual trust with the Chinese side.

Yang said China maintained a path of peaceful development, and strove for world peace, stability and development.

Facing the complicated international situation and emerging global challenges, China would strengthen communication, coordination and cooperation with the United States, and make joint efforts for peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world, Yang said.

Yang reaffirmed China's stance on the Taiwan issue.

Gates said the United States expected Hu's upcoming visit and believed it would forcefully promote bilateral relations.