China, France to further strengthen military exchanges

Chinese and French military leaders agreed here on Tuesday that the armed forces of China and France should further strengthen their exchanges and cooperation.

Both China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council and play important roles in international and regional affairs, said Wang Guanzhong, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), when he met here on Tuesday with Edouard Guillaud, Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces.

Based on mutual respect and mutual trust, China is willing to work together with France to further strengthen high-level military communications, strategic dialogues, and cooperation, to constantly make new contributions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, said Wang.

Guillaud said the Sept. 22-24 France-China defense strategic dialogue in Paris is very important for the two sides to enhance their strategic mutual trust, deepen mutual understanding and boost military cooperation.

France is satisfied with the development of relations between the armed forces of the two countries, and is willing to further strengthen cooperation with the Chinese side, he said.

The 12th strategic dialogue between the two countries' defense ministries focused on the development of the two-way military ties, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.