Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks in Beijing Tuesday with Michelle Bachelet, minister of National Defense of Chile.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said that relations between China and Chile have progressed smoothly since they established diplomatic ties in 1970.

The two sides maintained sound cooperation in international affairs, and China appreciated Chile's support on the issue of human rights and the Taiwan issue, he said.

Closer ties between the two armed forces accorded with the basic interests of the peoples, and the Chinese military is willing to strengthen multi-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields with the Chilean side, said Cao.

Bachelet said Chile cherished the friendship with China, hoping that the two sides would strengthen cooperation to jointly promote peace and development of the world.

Bachelet and her delegation arrived in Beijing on Monday for an official goodwill visit to China.