China is ready to advance bilateral state and military relations with Singapore so as to contribute to the regional peace and stability, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Wednesday.

In talks with Singaporean Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean, Cao said that Sino-Singaporean bilateral relations have witnessed sound development with a frequent exchange of high-level visits since China and Singapore forged diplomatic ties 15 years ago.

Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have scored fruitful achievements, and bilateral military ties have also made headway, Cao added.

Teo said Singapore and China enjoy friendly relations and the exchanges and cooperation between the governments and armed forces of the two nations are rewarding. Singapore adheres to the one-China policy, he added.

Singapore will further deepen the cooperative relations between the two defense ministries and two armed forces, Teo said.

Cao held a welcome ceremony for Teo before the talks.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2005)