The Chinese armed forces are willing to make joint efforts with Estonia to further bilateral military ties, said State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Cao Gangchuan in Beijing on Monday.

 

"The military relations between the two countries have been strengthening continuously," said Cao, in talks with Minister of Defence of Estonia Jurgen Ligi.

 

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China attaches great importance to the friendly relations with the Estonian armed forces, noted Cao.

 

Cao also briefed Ligi on China's domestic construction, stances on international and regional issues and principles regarding the Tibet and Taiwan issue.

 

Cao reiterated China's position on the recent nuclear test by North Korea, saying China is resolutely opposed to the nuclear test and is urging North Korea to return to the six-party talks.

 

Ligi said this visit is very important for the relations between Estonia and China, adding that the communication between the two countries has been active in recent years.

 

He reiterated Estonia's stance on the one-China policy, saying the Estonian government considers Taiwan as an integral part of China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2006)