BEIJING, June 24 -- Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan met with Chilean Defense Minister Jose Antonio Gomez in Beijing on Wednesday.

The meeting focused on boosting defense cooperation.

Chang, also a state councilor, said further development of defense and military relations between the two countries were in the fundamental interests of both countries. China is willing to enhance pragmatic cooperation between the two armed forces in a wider fields and promote military ties to a new level, he said.

Gomez said the two armed forces have a very close friendship, and Chile is committed to facilitating closer military cooperation with China.