China, Argentina pledge closer military cooperation

China and Argentina on Tuesday pledged to boost military cooperation as Argentine Defense Minister Arturo Puricelli visited the Asian country.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks with his Argentine counterpart on Tuesday.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, said that Sino-Argentine relations have been developing smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.

The exchange of visits by the two countries' leaders and the establishment of the strategic partnership opened a new chapter in bilateral ties, with fruitful outcomes from cooperation in fields such as cultural exchanges and personnel training, said Liang.

The defense minister also voiced China's willingness to expand military cooperation with the Argentine side in order to boost ties.

Puricelli said that Argentina appreciates the progress China has made in national construction in recent years. Argentina is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to further advance defense cooperation between the two nations, he added.

Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, also met with Puricelli in Beijing, hailing the development of bilateral and military ties between the two nations in recent decades.

During the meeting, Guo voiced appreciation for the good coordination and cooperation China and Argentina have made in significant international issues.

Puricelli's visit will help boost the bilateral military relationship, according to the vice chairman.