China, South Africa to push forward defense cooperation

China's Defense Minister Chang Wanquan met with chief of the South African National Defense Force, Solly Shoke, on Wednesday.

Hailing enhanced ties between the two countries and the two armed forces, state councillor Chang called on both sides to further plan for bilateral defense cooperation from a strategic and long-term perspective, learn from each other and seek common development.

Shoke said South Africa is willing to further expand defense cooperation with China to push forward bilateral relationship.

On Tuesday, Shoke and Wang Guanzhong, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, co-chaired the sixth meeting of China-South Africa Defense Committee.

Both sides agreed to fully implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote high-level visits and personnel exchanges between the two armed forces, expand pragmatic communication and cooperation so as to push forward China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.