China, Russia to strengthen military ties

BEIJING, Nov. 5 -- Senior Chinese and Russian military officials met here on Tuesday and both sides agreed to strengthen military ties.

The China-Russia comprehensive, strategic and cooperative ties have maintained a positive momentum for development and the high-level political partnership has created favorable conditions for military exchanges, said Fang Fenghui, chief of general staff of the People's Liberation Army.

Fang made the comments when meeting with Vladimir Zarudnitskiy, deputy chief of general staff of the Russian Armed Forces and chief of the main operational department. Zarudnitskiy is in China for the 16th strategic consultation between the two militaries.

"Our military ties face a new opportunity for development," Fang said.

Both sides should strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic consultations, as well as increase professional exchanges, personnel training and joint drills through more open, sincere and effective cooperation, Fang said.

Zarudnitskiy said both sides will exchange views on bilateral military relations, international and regional situations as well as issues of common concern.