The current relations between China and Australia are in the best shape, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan at a meeting with visiting Australian navy commander Russ Shalders Thursday.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the two countries trust each other politically and have kept strengthening cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, energy and culture.

He said China is glad to see the close exchanges, frequent high-level mutual visits between the two armed forces, and in particular the frequent exchanges between the two navies.

China is eager to further expand the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two armies and make positive contributions to the development of overall bilateral relations, he said.

Shalders told Cao he was satisfied with the current relations between the armed forces of Australia and China, adding that Australia hopes to push the relationship forward.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2005)