On the morning of November 6, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao, also Chairman of CPC Central Military Commission, met at the Great Hall of the People with visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

Speaking highly of the Sino-U.S. relations, Hu said the two countries have had a stable development momentum of bilateral relations, featuring frequent exchanges in all levels, fruitful cooperation in various areas, and coordination and consultation on major international and regional issues. "To keep a sound development of the Sino-U.S. relationship is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and will help maintain the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world as a whole," Hu said. He said China will work with the United States and handle the general situation of the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term prospective. He called on the two countries to strengthen dialogues and expand cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, reciprocity and win-win cooperation, properly tackle the sensitive issues in the bilateral relations, and promote a sound, stable and deepening development of the Sino-U.S. constructive relationship of cooperation. Hu also briefed Gates on China's position over the Taiwan question.

Gates thanked Hu for meeting with him and congratulated Hu on China's preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He said the military-to-military relations between the two countries have made positive progress and are facing opportunities for further development. He hopes the armed forces of the two countries can strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust and promote the development of military-to-military relations, Gates said. He also reaffirmed that there's no change to the U.S. government's adherence to the one-China policy.

Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Cao Gangchuan, who is also State Councilor and Defense Minister, Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, Deputy Chief of the PLA General Staff Ma Xiaotian, Director of the President's Office Chen Shiju, Assistant Chief of the General Staff Chen Xiaogong, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Defense Ministry Qian Lihua, as well as U.S. Ambassador to China Clark Thorp Randt attended the meeting.