Chinese Minister of National Defense Chi Haotian held talks here Monday with his Croatian counterpart Jozo Rados.
Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that this is the first visit by a Croatian Minister of Defense to China since the independence of Croatia, which he believes will further strengthen the Sino-Croatian ties.
The friendly relations between China and Croatia have been progressing well since the two countries established the diplomatic ties in 1992. The Chinese armed forces are actively developing friendly ties with the Croatian armed forces and are willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation with the Croatian side on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust, equality, and mutual benefit, Chi said.
Chi also briefed the guests on the Chinese government's views on international and regional issues, China's foreign policy, defense policy, and army development, and the Chinese government's stand on the issue of anti-terrorism.
Rados said that both Croatia and China are making efforts for global peace and development. In recent years, the two countries have had several high-level exchanges of visits, and this will help enhance mutual understanding and promote cooperation. The two sides maintained good cooperation in the military field, and the chief of general staff of the Croatian armed forces has visited China twice.
Rados believes his current visit to China will further the friendly cooperative relations with China.
Rados reiterated that the Croatian government adheres to the One China policy, and supports China's consistent policy of resolving the Taiwan issue through "peaceful reunification" and " one country, two systems."
Rados thanked China for its support in the United Nations on the issue of Croatia's independence, and briefed Chi on the government and military reforms in Croatia.
Prior to the talks, Chi held a welcoming ceremony for Rados.
Rados arrived in China Monday on an official goodwill visit to China at the invitation of Chi.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/16/2001)
