Chinese and French military officers rounded off their discussions on defense and security in Beijing Wednesday afternoon.

China attaches great importance to the China-France Seminar on Defense and Security for Senior Defense Officials, said Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. He said the seminar will help deepen mutual understanding and promote friendly cooperation in the military sector.

China and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, assume "considerable responsibilities," Xiong said.

"The two countries should beef up cooperation on defense and security, and jointly stand up to challenges," Xiong said.

Echoing Xiong's remark, a French officer said that the seminar helped "broaden bilateral consensus" and better prepared the two countries for joint efforts in facing security challenges.

Organized by the Chinese Defense Ministry, the 10-day seminar hosted more than 10 officers from the French army, navy and air force.

During the seminar, noted Chinese experts and scholars gave lectures on international and regional situation, Sino-European relations, international counter-terrorism and regional cooperation.

The next seminar of this kind will be held in France 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2004)