China, Australia pledge closer military ties

BEIJING - China and Australia pledged on Thursday to strengthen their militaries ties during a meeting between the two countries' senior military officials.

The pledge was made when Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met with an Australian delegation headed by David Hurley, chief of the Defense Force of Australia.

The delegation is here to attend the 15th China-Australia defense strategic consultation.

Xu hailed the sound development of the two countries' military relations and praised the frequent visits between the two military leaders and the progress of pragmatic cooperation in professional fields.

He said China is willing to work with Australia to make greater contribution to regional peace and development.

Xu also briefed Hurley on the recently concluded 18th CPC National Congress, saying that China will continue to pursue a national defense policy which is defensive in nature and commit itself to world peace and development.

Hurley commended the positive results of the consultation and said the two sides exchanged views on world and regional security issues of common concern and reached important agreements.

He said he hopes the two militaries will continue to communicate and promote their relations to a higher level.