Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said on Monday that China is ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Britain to raise military-to-military ties.

"The Chinese side is ready to further enhance exchanges and cooperation with the British side at various levels and in extensive areas to continuously promote military-to-military relations for new progress," Liang told visiting Chief of the Naval Staff of Britain Jonathon Band.

Liang, who is also state councilor, hailed the steady development of relations between the two armed forces in recent years, citing increased technological exchanges and personnel training.

He said current state-to-state relations between China and Britain have good development momentum, which is in the real long-term interests of both countries.

He hoped the two sides would keep on promoting the healthy and steady development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Band said the British side firmly believes that it is important for both sides to maintain good political and military ties.

He said he hoped to gain a deeper understanding of China through his visit and to seek more fields of cooperation that will benefit both sides.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22)