BEIJING, Jan 20 (Reuters) - China would welcome better military ties with the United States after Barack Obama enters the White House, a Chinese spokesman said on Tuesday, saying it was up to the Pentagon to lift obstacles to exchanges.

China suspended military contacts with Washington in October to protest a $6.5 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, the self-ruled island that China calls an illegitimate breakaway. Military exchanges have also been frustrated by disagreements over access and security.

But Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Hu Changming said the Obama administration could clear the way to expanded contact between the world's biggest military and his own modernising forces.

"In this new period, we hope that China and the United States will strive together to create favourable conditions to promote the constant improvement and development of ties between our militaries," Hu told a news conference to release Beijing's latest defence policy paper.

"With ties between the two militaries facing hardships, we ask the U.S. Defense Department to remove obstacles to these ties and take effective actions to create conditions for the healthy development of these ties."

Hu did not mention the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan in discussing potential revived contacts.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949 and has vowed to bring the island under mainland rule, by force if necessary.

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in 1979, recognising "one China", but is obliged by the Taiwan Relations Act to help the island defend itself.

U.S. Navy Admiral Timothy Keating, who commands forces in Asia and the Pacific, said last month he hopes the two sides can resume military contacts.

Obama's inauguration is later on Tuesday. (Reporting by Chris Buckley; Editing by Nick Macfie and Dean Yates)

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