China is willing to increase cooperation and strengthen military ties with Thailand, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan Thursday in Beijing.

Cao made the remark during his meeting with a Thai military delegation, headed by Vichit Yathip, chairman of the Advisory Board of the Thailand Army.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said that for China, Thailand is a close neighbor and the two countries have been keeping good cooperation in political, economical, cultural and military fields.

The all-round growth of bilateral relations is in the fundamental interests of the people of both countries and will enjoy a bright cooperative prospect in the future, he said.

To keep up the frequent exchanges between the two countries and their armed forces, he added, is conducive to economic development and army building of both countries as well as world peace and stability.

Yathip agreed with Cao on his evaluation of bilateral ties and military ties of the two countries.

The armed forces of Thailand and China are peace-loving forces, he said, noting that the Thai side is ready to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to advance bilateral military relations and devote to peace and stability in the region.