Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan stressed in Beijing Monday that China is willing to develop friendly cooperation with Vanuatu.  

Cao, also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and state councilor, made the remarks during talks with visiting Vanuatu's Minister of Internal Affairs George Wells, who is also in charge of national defense.

"China has all along attached importance to developing friendly cooperative ties with Vanuatu on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," Cao said.

To establish and develop friendly cooperation between the two countries in defense affairs will help boost the all-round development of bilateral relations, he said.

"China is willing to work along with Vanuatu to carry out exchanges and cooperation in defense affairs on the basis of equality and mutual benefit," he said.

Cao also briefed the guest on China's social and economic development and stance on the Taiwan question.

Wells said Vanuatu highly values its relationship with China.

"I would like to stress here that the government of Vanuatu is committed to the one-China policy," he said.

Vanuatu hopes to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2005)