US DEFENCE SECRETARY Jim Mattis struck a positive public tone in Beijing today, talking up increased military co-operation and open dialogue with China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe focused on the importance of their bilateral military relationship and how to continue such momentum.

No public mention was made of US arms sales to Taiwan or Chinese construction on its islands in the South China Sea.

“I’m here to keep our relationship on a great trajectory, going in the right direction and to share ideas with your leadership, your military leadership, as we look at the way ahead,” said Mr Mattis.

China’s People’s Daily newspaper said that Mr Wei had laid out Beijing’s position and concerns on Taiwan, the South China Sea and North Korea but provided no details.

Mr Xi, who heads the commission overseeing the People’s Liberation Army, called relations between the two countries’ militaries a “model component of our overall bilateral relations.”