China, Australia to expand military ties, usher in new era of collaboration

China and Australia have broadened their military ties, ushering in a new era of collaboration between the two countries.

The enhanced relationship will result in the two Asia-Pacific nations conducting joint counter-terrorism operations and peace-keeping training, as well as the exchange of senior military officials.

Earlier this week, Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Fang Fenghui toured the Australian capital of Canberra and settled on the range of plans for military exchanges.

Fang met with Australian Defence Force chief Mark Binskin and Defence Department secretary Dennis Richardson on Monday at the 18th annual China-Australia Defence Strategic Dialogue.

Ties between the Chinese and Australian armies had entered a new era since the two countries lifted their relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Australia in November, said Fang.

The Chinese side was willing to earnestly implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries so as to further push forward their military ties, he added.

Touting the agreement on joint counter-terrorism operations, peace-keeping training and exchange of military personnel as a massive win for peace in the region, Binskin said a prosperous Asia-Pacific was in the interests of both Australia and China.

On Tuesday, Fang also toured the Australian Headquarters Joint Operations Command and met with Defence Minister Marise Payne.

Payne said the Austrlia-China ties were at their best with fruitful cooperation in various fields. He was looking forward to his visit to China next year to promote the new collaborative plans. Endit