Chinese, New Zealand defense ministers hold talks

BEIJING -- Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on Thursday held talks with his New Zealand counterpart Jonathan Coleman to promote bilateral ties.

Chang, also state councilor, said comprehensive cooperation between China and New Zealand had good momentum while military-to-military relations enjoyed a healthy and stable development.

China is willing to work together with New Zealand to push forward pragmatic cooperation in humanitarian aid, disaster mitigation, maritime security, personnel exchanges and other fields, Chang said.

He also explained in detail China's newly established Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea and exchanged views with the visiting minister on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

Hailing New Zealand-China relations, Coleman said New Zealand is willing to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with China in various areas.