BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, the United States Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates arrived here Sunday night, kicking off his first official visit to China.

    During his three-day China tour, Gates will hold talks with Cao, who is also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and state councilor, and meet with top Chinese leaders and Foreign Ministry officials, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.

    The two sides will exchange views on the current international and regional security situation, bilateral relations, military ties of two countries, and other issues of common concern.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said on Thursday China hopes the visit will help strengthen understanding and trust between the two militaries in a bid to promote healthy development of bilateral ties.

    China believes Gates' China trip is an important event in Sino-U.S. relations this year, and attach great importance to it, said Liu.

    This is Gates' first visit to China since he became the U.S. secretary of defense in December 2006.