WASHINGTON — After a rocky year for U.S.-Chinese relations, Defense Secretary Robert Gates heads to China today in hopes of strengthening relations with the rising military power and global competitor.

The relationship between the two countries has been strained recently as China expanded its firepower and reach, quarreled with U.S. allies over Pacific territory and broke off the few flimsy military ties it had allowed with Washington.

Gates will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao a week ahead of Hu’s planned state visit to Washington.

In talks with Hu and Chinese military leaders, Gates plans to make the case for regular face-to-face discussions between military officials from both countries. Direct discussions are already routine for presidents and diplomats.

Limited relations between the two militaries were restored late last year.