Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that China and the ROK are close neighbors and have a long history of exchange and cooperation.

The good-neighborly relations between China and the ROK have kept developing since the two countries forged diplomatic ties nearly eight years ago, he said.

He said that China is willing to promote relations between the two countries and between their armed forces so as to contribute to safeguarding regional peace and stability, Chi also expressed appreciation for the efforts that parties concerned have made to ease the situation in the Korean peninsular.

Lee said that the ROK attaches importance to developing ROK- China relations of partnership of cooperation oriented towards the 21st century, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in promoting regional peace and common development.

Shi Yunsheng, commander of the navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, attended the meeting.

(Chinese Daily)