President Xi Jinping met with Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff in Beijing on Tuesday.

It’s the second meeting between Xi and Dempsey. They first met in February 2012 during Xi’s visit to the Pentagon.

Xi, also the chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, said there has been progress in exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries during the past year.

According to Xi, Dempsey’s visit to China will actively promote the healthy development of the relationship between the two militaries.

Dempsey, who is scheduled to stay in Beijing from Monday to Thursday, expressed condolences to victims of the earthquake in Sichuan on behalf of the people of the United States and praised the work of the People’s Liberation Army in response to the quake.

Dempsey told Xi that his delegation is pleased with the programs arranged to interact with the current and future Chinese military leaders.

According to Dempsey, his visit is a continuation of the conversation and commitment made between Xi and the US President Barrack Obama.