Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said Friday in Beijing that China is willing to strengthen military cooperation with Chile.

In a meeting with Aldo Sarabia Vilches, commander-in-chief of the Air Force of Chile, Cao said that since China and Chile forged diplomatic ties, the two countries have maintained high-level exchange of visits, and bilateral relations have witnessed smooth progress.

"Enhancing military relations between the two armed forces is conducive to further improvement of bilateral ties," said Cao, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councillor.

China holds a positive attitude toward the development of bilateral military cooperation and hopes the relations between the two armed forces, especially the ties between the two air forces, would be strengthened, Cao said.

Sarabia said, "The two armed forces maintained close contact in recent years. I hope my current visit will deepen bilateral military ties and increase exchanges and cooperation between the two sides."

Source: Xinhua