BEIJING - Deputy Chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff Ma Xiaotian and US China expert Charles Freeman called at a meeting Thursday for more communication between the two countries.

"The two countries should endeavor to find things in common despite their differences in some aspects. Strengthening cooperation between China and the United States will help the two countries, as well as the world, to cope with current challenges," said Ma.

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The development of military relations between China and the United States needed joint efforts, said Ma.

The two countries should respect and consider each other's core interest and major concerns, enhance strategic mutual trust and promote the development of military ties.

Freeman, a former assistant secretary of defense and now an expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said his China visit was aimed at having a deeper understanding of the country. As an American diplomat, author, and writer, Freeman is well-known for being the main interpreter for Richard Nixon in his 1972 China visit.

In the meeting that lasted almost two hours in Beijing Thursday, he spoke frequently in Chinese to express his opinions on China-US relations.

The two sides should continue to strengthen communication and dialogue to deepen their understanding and enhance mutual trust, Freeman said.

Freeman is meeting with Chinese senior diplomats, officials, scholars and entrepreneurs. In a meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai on Wednesday, they discussed international issues of common concern.

Freeman agreed that maintaining China-US military exchanges was important for both sides.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern.