China, Portugal pledge closer military cooperation

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan met with Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces Artur Neves Pina Monteiro on Tuesday in Beijing, vowing to strengthen the two countries' military cooperation.

Hailing strengthened military-to-military ties over the years, Chang said China is willing to work with the Portuguese side to further promote military exchanges and cooperation in all areas, with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries as the guidance.

The cooperation agreement between the two countries' defense ministries, signed in 2006, has laid the legal basis for military exchanges and cooperation, Chang said.

Portugal is willing to expand military exchanges with China in such areas as young military officers training and international peacekeeping, particularly in Portuguese-speaking African countries, Pina Monteiro said. Endi