Chen Bingde holds talks with South African counterpart

Chen Bingde, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), held talks with Solly Shoke, the visiting commander of the South African National Defense Forces (SANDF), on the afternoon of May 23, 2012 in Beijing.

Chen Bingde extended his welcome to Shoke and his delegation for their visit to China again. He said that with the active support of leaders of the two countries, the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has shown positive momentum of development since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 14 years ago as evidenced by increasingly strengthened bilateral contacts and cooperation in various fields including politics, economy and trade, science and technology and culture.

Chen Bingde said that driven by the good state relations, the relations between the Chinese and South African militaries have been developing rapidly in recent years as evidenced by reciprocal visits among delegations of the two militaries and increasing exchanges and cooperation in such fields as professional skills and personnel training. The Chinese military is willing to work together with the South African military to constantly broaden cooperation fields to promote the relations between the two militaries to a new high.

Shoke said that considering China's rapid development in recent years, China must have gained experience in various aspects including economic development. South Africa hopes to learn from and draw upon China's experience to accelerate its own development. He hoped that this visit could lay a good foundation for further strengthening the relations between the two countries and the two militaries to promote bilateral cooperation.

Chen Bingde also exchanged views on China-South Africa friendly and cooperative relations with the guests.

Before the talks, Chen Bingde held a welcome ceremony for Shoke and his party and accompanied Shoke to review the guard of honor of the PLA three services.