CMC Vice-Chairman Meets New Zealand Air Staff ChiefChi Haotian, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China, met Tuesday with Donald Hamilton, Chief of the Air Staff of the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF).They exchanged views on developing relations between the two armed forces and other issues of common concern. Chi, who is also a state councilor and defense minister, pointed out that China and New Zealand, two important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, share wide-ranging interests in maintaining peace and stability and promoting prosperity and development in the region. Chi said that China always attaches great importance to its ties with New Zealand. Both sides are facing new opportunities in the new century, and China stands ready to work alongside New Zealand to advance their mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship. The relationship between the two armed forces has developed smoothly in recent years, he said. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will, as it always has, make efforts for promoting the friendly and cooperative relations with the NZDF, so as to jointly contribute to safeguarding peace and security in the Asian-Pacific region, he said. Hamilton outlined the adjustment of the defense strategy of New Zealand, stressing that New Zealand's air force will continue to advance friendly relations with the Chinese. He also expressed his pleasure with the achievements China has made in the past, wishing the country success in economic development. Hamilton is here for an official goodwill visit at the invitation of Liu Shunyao, commander of the PLA Air Force. |
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