On August 21, 2007, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with visiting U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Mullen, also Chairman-Designate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Yang said China and the United States, both permanent members of UN Security Council, shoulder important duties for world peace, stability and common development. The two countries have conducted fruitful coordination and cooperation in major bilateral areas and key international and regional issues, which is conducive to the two countries and the world at large, he said. China is ready to make joint efforts with the U.S. in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state to push for Sino-U.S. constructive cooperative ties, said Yang. The two armies should further strengthen exchanges and build mutual trust. Yang expressed hope that the U.S. side will view China's national defense construction and military strength improvement from an objective and fair perspective. Yang also highlighted China's stance on the Taiwan question.

Mullen said the two heads of state have met on many occasions to define the general framework for the development of relations between the two countries and armies. He expressed belief that the U.S. will do a good job, along with China, in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state and continue to advance the ties between the two countries and armies. Mullen also stressed the U.S. firm and clear-cut position of opposing the "Taiwan independence".