BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will agree to discuss military security and mutual trust across the Taiwan Strait "at a proper time" so as to maintain stability in the region, a defense spokesman said Friday.

"The mainland and Taiwan can make contact and exchanges on military issues at a proper time," Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said at a press conference.

Discussions would focus on "the establishment of military security and mutual trust mechanisms," he said.

Preparations "should be done step by step and starting from the easy ones," he said.

"Peaceful development of cross-Strait relations conforms to the fundamental interests of people on both sides and represents their common aspirations," he said.