China, Hungary vow to strengthen military ties

BEIJING - Senior military officers from China and Hungary on Sunday vowed to further strengthen military exchanges and cooperation.

Chang Wanquan, minister of national defense, and Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with visiting Hungarian Defense Minister Csaba Hende, respectively, in Beijing.

Chang, also a state councilor, expressed appreciation over Hungary's adherence to the one-China policy. He said China regards Hungary as China's good friend and important partner in the European Union.

Chang said it is in the common interests of the two countries to strengthen friendly exchanges between the two armed forces. China is willing to make joint efforts with Hungary to further expand cooperation and promote a sound, sustained development of the military relations, he said.

Xu spoke highly of the good momentum of the development of bilateral military relations in recent years. He said China is willing to carry out closer exchanges with Hungarian armed forces and strengthen cooperation in all areas.

Hende said Hungary attaches great importance to the bilateral relationship and military ties with China, and hopes to further promote a comprehensive development of the relations.

He said Hungary will enhance exchanges with China on international peace keeping missions and advance cooperation between the two armed forces.