China, Singapore pledge stronger military ties

China and Singapore on Monday pledged to deepen cooperation between their military forces.

The pledge was made during senior Chinese military officers' meetings with visiting Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Xu Caihou, Vice-Chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met with Ng in Beijing, hailing the traditional friendship and military ties between the two nations in recent years.

Xu stressed that the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region is in accord with the common interests of the countries in the region.

China would like to do more to facilitate regional peace and stability together with Singapore, Xu said.

During the meeting, the vice chairman also voiced China's willingness to further explore the potential of bilateral defense cooperation.

Also on Monday, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks with Ng. They exchanged views on bilateral military ties, regional security, the South China Sea issue and other issues of common concern.

Liang said that China and Singapore have conducted productive cooperation on military institutes, personnel training, joint training, exchanges of naval ships and other areas in recent years.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, called on the Singapore side to play a constructive role in regional issues and hold an appropriate and objective stance on certain issues in a bid to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

Ng said Singapore values the relationship with China and is satisfied with the current development of cooperation between the two armed forces.

He said he fully agreed with Liang's proposals on stepping up military-to-military exchanges, adding that Singapore is ready to make joint efforts with China to intensify military ties.