China, Cambodia vow to improve military ties

China and Cambodia on Thursday vowed to improve their military ties and continue supporting each other on major issues regarding core interests.

The pledge came out of a meeting and talks between Chinese military leaders Xu Qiliang and Chang Wangquan and visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh.

In his meeting with Tea Banh, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang said China and Cambodia have offered each other firm support on issues of sovereignty, security and development.

He said he hopes the two countries can strengthen their friendly ties, expand cooperation in all areas and jointly cope with challenges.

Tea Banh expressed appreciation for China's aid and support for his country, adding the Cambodian government and armed forces value their ties with China and expect closer cooperation.

In his talks with Tea Banh, Chinese Defense Minister and State Councilor Chang Wangquan said China-Cambodia ties are at their best in history, citing enhanced political mutual trust, win-win economic cooperation and close security coordination.

China hopes to improve high-level military contacts with Cambodia, enhance multilateral security cooperation and jointly tackle challenges, Chang said.

Tea Banh said Cambodia is committed to boosting its all-round strategic cooperation partnership with China and working closely to upgrade relations between the two countries and armed forces. Endi