"The fact that the consultations took place as scheduled shows that both countries are sincere about maintaining military exchanges," Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), said at the start of the annual consultations.

The consultations marked the first engagement between the defense ministries of both countries since the United States in September announced its 5.85-billion-U.S.dollar arms sale to Taiwan, including upgrades for 145 of Taiwan's fighter jets.

China vehemently opposed the sale, saying it created severe obstacles for normal military-to-military exchanges.

Ma hailed the consultations, which began in 1997 following an agreement between former President Jiang Zemin and his U.S. counterpart Bill Clinton, as one of the earliest and well-run mechanisms that both militaries have been committed to.

"Hopefully both sides will make the most of this opportunity to expand common ground, keep risks under control and avoid misunderstandings," Ma said, calling for positive results from the one-day consultations.

"With our joint efforts, we hope we can make positive contributions to China-U.S. relations, one of the most important bilateral relations in the world," Ma said.

"Like you, we place great value on this meeting," said Under Secretary of Defense for Policy of the United States Michele Flournoy, who is leading the U.S. delegation.

Flournoy said the consultations offer the militaries the chance to "identify and agree on issues and interests that the two sides share."

She said she also looks forward to having the opportunity to "candidly discuss differences."

Flournoy said there are several opportunities for both militaries to enhance cooperation.

The U.S. delegation consists of nearly 20 representatives from the U.S. Defense Department, the State Department, the Joint Staff, the Pacific Command, Navy and Air Force.

Consultation topics will include bilateral military relations and the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, as well as piracy and regional situations in the Korean Peninsula, South China Sea, Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Chinese Defense Ministry will release more details regarding the consultations later on Wednesday.

Flournoy and her delegation will leave Beijing on Thursday.