The defense chiefs of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met Tuesday in Beijing and the two sides expressed their wishes to deepen military-to-military relations.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told his ROK counterpart Lee Sang Hee during their talks that China was willing to work with the ROK side to strengthen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation, and to deepen military ties in an all-round way in the light of the principles of political mutual trust, economically mutual benefit, and maintaining the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Liang and Lee stated their own country's position on the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement by the Chinese Defense Ministry, which did not release further details.

On broader bilateral ties, Liang said China and the ROK were important neighbors and shoulder important responsibility for regional development and security.

Liang said bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, defense and culture generated substantial benefits for both peoples.

Lee said he hoped his current visit would help push forward exchange and cooperation between defense departments and militaries of the two countries, to jointly safeguard peace and stability in northeast Asia.

This is Lee Sang Hee's first visit to China since becoming ROK Defense Minister in February 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2009)