China, New Zealand armed forces seek closer ties amid consultation

China and New Zealand held the third strategic consultation between their armed forces in Beijing Tuesday, and pledged to advance military cooperation.

Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Vice Chief of the New Zealand Defense Force Jack Steer presided over the talks.

The two countries' defense and military relationship had developed soundly and matured gradually, Ma said.

China was satisfied with relations between the two armed forces.

China was ready to work with New Zealand to expand military cooperation and safeguard peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, Ma said.

The Defense Force of New Zealand hoped to enhance military cooperation with the PLA in fields such as personnel exchanges and training, and reinforce their communication and coordination within the multilateral security mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, Steer said.

The strategic consultation served as an important part of bilateral military ties, Steer said.

The consultation itself demonstrated the friendship between the two armed forces, he said.

They also held in-depth talks on international and regional security situations.

They agreed the consultation was positive and fruitful, as it helped to expand bilateral consensus and understanding.

The first consultation was held in China three years ago, and the second was held in New Zealand last year.

Source: Xinhua