Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R) and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta attend a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, the United States, May 7, 2012. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun)

At their meeting, the two defense chiefs reached four consensuses:

Firstly, to make efforts to build the sound, stable and reliable military to military relationship in accordance with President Hu Jintao and President Barack Obama's shared vision for a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Secondly, continuing to take advantage of the defense consultative talks, the defense policy coordination talks, and the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement and the defense telephone link as important channels to deepen understanding, expand consensus, improve mutual trust and reduce differences.

Panetta would pay a visit to China at the second half of this year at a time convenient for both sides.

Thirdly, to enhance exchanges and cooperation with respect to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, environmental protection, medical, educational, cultural, sports, military archive and other fields.

Fourthly, to conduct joint exercises on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and counterpiracy this year.

After their meeting, Liang and Panetta attended a joint press conference.