Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Tuesday with Armand De Decker, president of the Senate of the Belgian parliament. 

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said friendly relations between the two countries were maintained with frequent high-level visits, parliamentary exchanges, economic cooperation and military exchanges.

China valued stable friendly and cooperative relations with Belgium, he said.

De Decker commended China's achievements in economic growth and social development.

He also congratulated China on the success of the Shenzhou-5 spaceflight mission.

He said his trip would promote friendship between the two peoples and two armed forces.

The two sides also exchanged views on the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation and the Taiwan issue.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2003)