China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed in Beijing Wednesday to further strengthen military ties.

Since China and the ROK forged diplomatic ties, their relations have experienced rapid development, and friendly bilateral military ties have expanded in a stable fashion, said Chen Bingde, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army.

Chen made his comments in a meeting here with Lee Jong-koo, former Defense Minister and President of the Retired Generals and Admirals Association of the ROK.

Chen said more bilateral military exchanges would be conducive to the healthy development of China-ROK friendly relations and to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

China hoped both countries could further deepen cooperation, strengthen understanding and promote military exchanges and personnel training, so as to advance their strategic and cooperative partnership, he said.

Lee said that recent years had witnessed the sound development of ROK-China relations and frequent military exchanges.

He added that the ROK adhered to the one-China policy and would work with China to develop bilateral relations.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2009)