Chinese Minister of National Defense Cao Guangchuan held talks with his Kazakhstan counterpart Mukhtar Altynbayev and Chief of Japanese Self-Defense Air Force Yoshimitsu Tsumagari respectively Tuesday in Beijing.

Cao said that the further strengthening of the bilateral military cooperation is one of the keys to promote China-Kazakhstan relations.

Kazakhstan, as a major participant nation, had made significant contribution to the success of the first joint anti-terrorism exercise conducted by the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) last August, Cao noted, adding that the armed forces of the two nations should continue to consolidate cooperation to further promote bilateral ties.

Altynbayev said that the good momentum of bilateral ties has placed solid foundation for the cooperation between the two armies and Kazakhstan is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to expand the cooperative fields and promote the bilateral ties.

Cao reiterated China's stance on the Taiwan issue. Altynbayev vowed that Kazakhstan will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and oppose separatist actions relating to "Taiwan Independence".

When meeting with Tsumagari, Cao put positive comments on current development of Sino-Japanese ties. He said the bilateral relations are generally good and the two nations should become partners of mutual benefit and cooperation.

The historical issue should not become an obstacle to the development of bilateral ties, which should be an incentive for the two nations to further boost the centuries-long friendship, Cao stressed.

Tsumagari expressed the hope that Japan could expand the exchange and communication with China in defense issues, pledging that Japan is committed to make contribution to the Japan-China friendship.

(Xinhua News Agency April 28, 2004)