Defence MinisterLiang Guanglie has started a week-long official visit to the United States, where he will meet state and military leaders, an opportunity for both sides to strengthen communication and military co-operation.

Liang is the first Chinese defence minister to visit the US in nine years. His American counterpart, Leon Panetta, said they would hold talks at the Pentagon tomorrow.

“There are a lot of issues we have to discuss … North Korea … the ability to have free trade in that region,” Penetta said. He also expected to discuss management of open sea lanes, humanitarian assistance and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

“What I am hoping is that we can establish at least a process whereby we can communicate with one another on a peaceful basis,” he said.

Shanghai-based military expert Ni Lexiong said the competing claims over sovereignty in the South China Sea issue would…