China and India Tuesday voiced their willingness to promote the relations between the two armed forces.

Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said it is in the fundamental interests of Chinese and Indian people to maintain the long-term stable and sound bilateral relations.

“China would like to step up its cooperation with India in defense and security sector and advance the bilateral military ties to a higher level,” said Cao, who visited India in March.

Vij quoted that in recent years, the two armies have kept sound high-level exchange of visits and cooperation in specialized fields.

Later Tuesday, Vij was also hosted by Liang Guanglie, chief of the general staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Liang also highlighted the importance of army-to-army relations and expressed China’s aspiration to make concerted efforts with India to promote the all-round progress of bilateral military ties.

Chief reviewed the coastal search and rescue exercise jointly conducted by India and China last year, adding “we invite China to join our military exercise in non-traditional security.”

India may invite Chinese officers to observe its military drills, which Vij said is a move in response to China inviting Indian officers to a Chinese military exercise in September. He also lauded the white paper on China’s national defense in 2004, which is released Monday.

On Monday, Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of the general staff ofChina’s PLA, gave Vij an official welcoming ceremony and held talks with him.

Vij and his delegation arrived in China’s financial hub Shanghai last Wednesday.
Zeng told Vij that China would like to further expand the friendly relations with India and other neighbouring countries to achieve common prosperity.

Vij said during the meetings with Chinese leaders that “trust between the two militaries has deepened in recent years as bilateral cooperation enhanced in all fields.” He said the border issue was discussed during the meetings, the Xinhua report said.

During his first visit to China, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) laid out a red carpet welcome for Vij and opened up many of its defence facilities as part of the conscious effort by Beijing to enhance mutual trust and understanding.