China is active in furthering the Sino-US armies' relationship and hopes for a healthy and stable development of the ties between the two armies, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Friday.

During his meeting with visiting former US Secretary of Defense William Perry, Cao said the Sino-US armies' relations constitute an important part of the countries' relationship.

"Progress in the two armies' relations is in the common interests of the two nations," Cao said, adding that it also promotes regional and world peace and stability.

2004 saw "fairly smooth progress" of overall Sino-US armies' relations, as evidenced by improved relations and increased exchanges between the two armies, said Cao, who is also a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

Cao briefed Perry on China's national defense policy and its stance on Taiwan issue.

The Exchanges, which have been taking place for 25 years between US-Chinese armies, are vital for bilateral relations, said Perry, who served as US secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton from February 1994 to January 1997.

He said he will urge the Pentagon to further its ties with China's Defense Ministry.

Early Friday, Perry was hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Chinese People's Liberation Army Xiong Guangkai.

Perry attended a two-day seminar on Sino-US security in Shanghai as a guest of the China Foundation for International Strategy Studies before coming to Beijing Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2005)