Sino-Israeli exchanges and cooperation not only benefit both countries, but also play a positive role in promoting peace and development in Asia and the world as a whole, a Chinese military leader said in Beijing Wednesday.

Fu Quanyou, chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), made the remark during a meeting with Israeli Air Force Commander Eitan Ben-Eliahu here today.

Fu said friendly cooperation between China and Israel has developed well since diplomatic relations were established eight years ago.

Fu, also a member of the Central Military Commission, said that exchanges between the two countries' armed forces have helped promote mutual understanding and friendship in recent years.

He expressed the conviction that Eitan Ben-Eliahu's China visit will help promote the development of relations between the armed forces, especially the air forces, of the two countries. He also expressed his thanks for Israel's adherence to the "one China" policy.

As for the Middle East peace process, Fu expressed the hope that relevant parties will resolve issues through peaceful talks to push forward the peace process.

Eitan Ben-Eliahu said that he has learned more about China during the visit, which is another step forward to promote relations between the two countries and their armed forces. He also briefed Fu on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process.

Eitan Ben-Eliahu arrived here Tuesday on a six-day official goodwill visit to China.