Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao on December 9 called for enhancing the friendly cooperation between China and Nepal and the two armed forces in line with the consensus of top leaders of both countries, in order to build a good-neighborly partnership geared toward the 21st century.

China is willing to work with Nepal to fulfill the goal, said Hu, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, in a meeting here with Nepal's army chief Prajwal Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana.

Hu said that Sino-Nepalese relations have proceeded smoothly on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence since the establishment of diplomatic ties over 40 years ago.

The Chinese government appreciates Nepal's valued support of China on the issues of Tibet, Taiwan, and human rights, Hu added.

China believes that all countries are equal members of the international community regardless of their size, wealth, or strength, and they have the liberty to decide their own internal affairs, said Hu.

Rana stressed that Nepal will never allow the use of Nepalese territory for activities intended to split China, and Nepal will devote itself to promoting friendship between the two countries and the two armies. He also said that Nepal will adhere to the " one China" policy.

Fu Quanyou, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, also attended the meeting.