BEIJIN - A Chinese military spokesman said Wednesday that Mike Mullen, chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, will visit China from July 9 to 13.

It's a return visit for Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army Chen Bingde's trip to the United States in May, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a press briefing.

The two sides are still negotiating the schedule, he said.

Yang also expressed his congratulations to Leon Panetta, who was nominated by President Barack Obama to succeed Robert Gates as the next Defense Secretary.

"China will promote the advancement of relations between the two military forces under the framework of the China-US ties that feature mutual respect and mutual benefits," Yang said.

Yang added that both sides are striving to implement consensus reached during Chen's visit.