Chinese DM says Asia tour fruitful

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Sunday wrapped up an official visit to Sri Lanka, India and Laos and left for home.

Multiple consensuses were reached during the Asia tour, Liang told Chinese media here in a joint interview, noting that he and leaders of the three countries not only exchanged views on the regional and global security situation but particularly conferred on the development of bilateral military ties and cooperation.

The agreements covered high-level contacts, personnel training, joint military drills, border control and management, maritime security cooperation and military industries and trade, Liang said.

The defense minister also said his visit boosted the development of China's relations with the three countries and stepped up their cooperation.

Commenting on his stay in Laos, Liang said it is important to strengthen the military-to-military ties between China and Laos under the current "complex and volatile" regional and global situation.

Pushing forward the China-Laos military cooperation "not only accords with the fundamental interests of our two peoples, but is conducive to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," he added.