Chinese and Australian military leaders convened the 11th Strategic Defence Consultation in Beijing on Sunday, exchanging views on international and regional security issues of common concern and bilateral military relations.

  Chen Bingde (L), chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, reviews the guards of honor during the welcome ceremony for Angus Houston, Chief of the Defence Force of Australia, in Beijing, China, July 20, 2008. Chinese and Australian military leaders convened the 11th Strategic Defence Consultation here on Sunday, exchanging views on international and regional security issues of common concern and bilateral military relations. (Xinhua Photo)

Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, chaired the consultation.

Chen said that the mechanism of consultations on defense matters has been developed smoothly since its establishment in 1997, and has played an active role in promoting mutual understanding and expanding consensus.

China appreciated the Australian side's emphasis on China-Australia military relations, and would like to work with the Australian side to enhance dialogue at a strategic level and carry out exchanges of every aspect so as to deepen concrete cooperation and ensure that bilateral military ties are developing steadily, Chen said.

Echoing Chen's remarks, Angus Houston, Chief of the Defence Force of Australia, expressed satisfaction towards the dynamic Australia-China relations featuring in-depth communication.

The Australian side would like to continuously push forward military ties with China based on the principle of equality, transparency and contact, said Houston. He also wished great success to the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

The consultation has been held regularly in Beijing or Canberra since 1997.