Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), met Tuesday with a Zambian military delegation led by D. M. Lubasi, director of human resources department of the Zambian Ministry of Defence.
Xiong said that China and Zambia enjoy traditional friendship, adding that the two countries have had fruitful cooperation in various areas since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
He said that the high-level visits between the two countries have deepened mutual understanding and friendship.
China and Zambia share many common interests in many fields and hold broad consensus on major international issues, Xiong said.
He thanked Zambia for its adherence to the "one-China" policy.
He said that China attaches great importance to developing the friendly cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces.
China is willing to work with the Zambian friends to upgrade the relationship to a new high, he added.
Xiong briefed the guests on China's views on the current international situation, China's diplomatic and defence policies, and China's principled position on the Taiwan issue.
He also talked briefly about China's domestic situation and the military building.
Lubasi said that he agrees with Xiong that the two countries have been maintaining long-term friendly relations. He expressed the hope that the two sides will further their relationship.
Lubasi briefed the Chinese side on Zambia's domestic situation and the situation in southern Africa.
(People’s Daily 08/22/2000)
