China, Canada to Advance Military RelationsSenior Chinese and Canadian Military officers pledged here Friday to further strengthen their military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.Zhang Wannian, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that China wishes to join efforts with Canada to promote the existing bilateral friendship and cooperation, including their military ties. In a meeting with Joseph Baril, chief of the Defense Staff of Canada, Zhang said that China and Canada, although far apart geographically, enjoy a long history of friendship between the two peoples. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have maintained frequent contacts and the bilateral friendship and cooperation have continued to grow, Zhang noted. Chinese President Jiang Zemin paid a successful state visit to Canada in 1997 and the two heads of state proclaimed that they would establish an all-round cooperative partnership oriented towards the 21st century. He went on to say that the Chinese side is happy to see the increased contacts and the good momentum in relations between the two armies. Zhang said that furthering the friendly cooperation between China and Canada and their armed forces conforms to the fundamental interest of both peoples. Zhang also briefed the guest on China's domestic situation. Baril said that visiting China has long been his dream. He told Zhang that he hopes the bilateral military cooperation be further enhanced together with the ever growing state-to-state relations. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |