Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Tuesday with Generoso Senga, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said China-Philippines relations have seen development in an all-round way since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 31 years ago.

 

The military exchanges between the two countries have also witnessed healthy and stable development in recent years, said Cao.

 

China will work with the Philippines to enhance pragmatic cooperation in various fields and advance the good-neighborly cooperation based on mutual respect, Cao said.

 

Cao appreciated the Philippines' adherence to the one-China policy, hoping it could continue to support China on the Taiwan issue and combine efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

 

Senga spoke highly of the relations between the two countries and two militaries, saying the Philippines will make joint efforts with China to safeguard regional stability and boost common development.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2006)