For China, it is a symbol of recognition and respect as a regional military power. And, on a practical level, frequent and regular high-level military exchanges between the US and China would greatly increase mutual confidence and trust at a time when their divergent interests might otherwise lead to conflict.
将战略军事对话纳入美中议事日程对双方都有利。对中国来说，这算是对其作为地区军事力量的认可和尊重。此外，从务实的角度看，美中之间频繁的定期高层军事交流能显著增进互信，否则的话，两国之间的利益分歧可能会导致冲突。