Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger discussed US-China ties with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu in Beijing on Tuesday.

Kissinger, now 100 years old, paved the way for the normalization of relations between the United States and China when he made a secret visit to Beijing in 1971.

China's defense ministry says Li told Kissinger some people in the US are not moving in the same direction as China and have destroyed the atmosphere for friendly communication.

Li is also cited as saying his side hopes the US and China will jointly promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries and their militaries.

The ministry reported that Kissinger said if the two countries go to war, it will not lead to any meaningful results for either side.

China is rejecting direct talks between US and Chinese defense officials because Washington has sanctioned Li for his suspected involvement in arms purchases from Russia.

Observers say China may expect the US to create momentum for resuming dialogue following Kissinger's visit.