China, Indonesia vow to deepen military cooperation

China and Indonesia on Thursday vowed to push forward military relations and strengthen cooperation on bilateral and multi-lateral levels.

The pledge was made during a meeting between Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu in Lao capital Vientiane.

Being two large developing countries in Asia, China and Indonesia have aligned development strategies and broad prospects for cooperation, said Chang, adding that China is willing to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with Indonesia and make joint efforts to build the China-ASEAN community of common destiny.

Chang also expressed the hope that the two armies would deepen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation in various fields and jointly promote military ties between the two countries.

The Indonesian defense minister, for his part, spoke positively about defense and security cooperation between the two countries in recent years. The two sides have had fruitful cooperation in areas including high-level visits, information exchanges, joint trainings and equipment and technology, he said.

Indonesia is willing to strengthen pragmatic cooperation between the two armies under bilateral and multi-lateral frameworks, the defense minister added.

During the meeting, Chang also made clear China's consistent stance on the South China Sea issue.

Ryamizard said disputes over sovereignty and maritime rights and interests should be resolved through negotiations and consultations by related parties based on mutual respect and trust with full consideration of the UN Charter, UN Convention on the Law of Sea, Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and historical factors. Endit