Russia is against any secessionist activities of "Taiwan Independence" in any form and will stick to the one-China policy, said Russian Chief of General Staff Yury Baluyevsky Thursday.

Baluyevsky made the remarks during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie. He arrived this morning, three days after the country's parliament approved the Anti-Secession Law aimed at preventing "Taiwan independence" from the country.

The two army chiefs also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two armies.

Building and developing the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation is the choice of both nations and Russia's strategic target, Baluyevsky said, adding that Russia is willing to work with China to further the strategic partnership after the two countries and armies have scored closer ties and fruitful cooperation in recent years.

Liang said strengthening cooperation between the two armies is an important part in furthering the partnership, which has maintained a good momentum for many years. In recent years, he said, high-level visits between the two armies have been frequent and exchanges in all fields effective.

"Closer cooperation and exchanges between the two armies are of great importance in promoting the cooperation between the two countries and maintaining regional and international security," said Liang.

Yury Baluyevsky arrived earlier Thursday for a four-day visit, his first trip abroad since he took the current post last July.

China and Russia will conduct their first-ever joint military exercise later this year. Baluyevsky's visit could help deepen the understanding and cooperation between the two militaries, observers noted.  

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2005)