China will work with Australia to promote cooperation between their armed forces, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Friday.

 

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Chief of the Australian Army Peter Leahy.

 

"China and Australia enjoy stable bilateral relations," Cao said, adding that the Chinese government attached great importance to relations with Australia.

 

Cao said, "China has a positive attitude to developing relations with the Australian military."

 

Leahy expressed his appreciation of China's economic and social achievements. He hoped that relations between the Australian and Chinese armed forces would develop further.

 

Leahy arrived in China on Wednesday for a three-day visit at the invitation of the General Staff Headquarters of Chinese People's Liberation Army.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2006)