A senior officer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said on Monday that China is ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with US armed forces.

Jing Zhiyuan, commander of the PLA's Second Artillery Force, made the remarks when he met with Ike Skelton, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives.

China and the United States have extensive strategic interests, said Jing, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

He said that the relations between the two armed forces have maintained sound momentum, featured by frequent exchanges, expanding cooperation and increasing mutual understanding and trust.

"China holds a positive attitude toward the development of ties between the two armed forces. My country is willing to make joint efforts with the US side to push forward exchanges and cooperation," Jing told Skelton and his delegation.

Skelton said that he was honored to be among first batch of US congressmen to visit the Second Artillery Force.

He said that the two armed forces should enhance their dialogue and exchanges so as to promote peace and friendship between the two countries.

Jing also briefed Skelton on China's nuclear policy and strategy and the construction and application of nuclear forces.

"China's policy of 'No first use of nuclear weapons at any time under any circumstances' is firm and consistent, and will never be changed," Jing added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2007)