Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks with visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Beijing Monday morning.

The talks were expected to cover such topics as the international and regional security situation, military-to-military relations and other issues of common concern.

The military leaders were also to discuss the establishment of a military hotline between the two countries.

This is Gates' first visit to China since he was appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense in December. He is the highest ranking U.S. military official to visit the country since former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in October 2005.

Gates, who arrived in Beijing on Sunday night, is on a three-day official visit to China at the invitation of Cao. He will also meet with China's state leaders and senior diplomats.