Cooperation with Russia a priority to Chinese military: senior official

Xu Qiliang (R), vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, meets with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 19, 2014. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, Nov. 19 -- Advancing China-Russia military cooperation is a priority for China's armed forces' foreign relations, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang said on Wednesday.

Xu made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Commenting on the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, Xu said their militaries have enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges and deepened mutual strategic trust. Cooperation in specific areas was "pragmatic" and "efficient".

"China always views that advancing our military ties is a priority," Xu said, adding that his side was willing to further bolster exchanges and cooperation with Russia.

Shoigu said military coordination was "of great significance" as the global and regional situations were undergoing complicated changes.

A day earlier, Shoigu met with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan.