China
China, Australia to boost bilateral military exchanges and co-op
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Source: CCTV.com | 07-10-2007 08:11
Special Report: 80th Anniversary of PLA |
Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with visiting Australian Defense Minister Brendan Nelson during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on July 9, 2007. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
Top legislator Wu Bangguo and Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan have met for talks with Australia's Defense Minister, Brendan Nelson. Together, they agreed on a joint seaborne rescue drill in September that will involve China, Australia and New Zealand. It's seen as a key part of military exchanges.
It's Nelson's first visit to China since becoming Australia's Defense Minister in January last year.
Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said China values relations between the two countries' armed forces and that cooperation between China and Australia is on a strategic level. He said military ties have progressed well since the two countries established diplomatic relations 35 years ago.
Nelson said Australia would like to know more about China's military. He acknowledged its modernization and improvements in transparency. He said Australia supports the One-China Policy.
Following the meeting between Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Australian counterpart, the two were keen to highlight the importance of the visit.
Cao Gangchuan said, "I believe your visit this time will promote friendly exchanges between our two armies."
The two ministers exchanged views on the defense strategy paper unveiled by Prime Minister John Howard last week. The paper said China's military modernization could create misunderstandings in the region.
In addition, Cao Gangchuan expressed China's concern over the developing military relationship between Australia, the US and Japan.
The two leaders agreed to hold the eleventh round of consultations on defense next year in Beijing.
Nelson delivered a speech at the People's Liberation Army National Defense University. He said the growing level of detail in Chinese defense white papers is an example of military open-ness.
China has published five defense white papers since 1998, detailing defense policies and expenditure on national defense. Nelson said these white papers should serve to prevent misunderstandings and instability in the region.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
