Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army, met with India's Chief of Army Staff General N.C. Vij on Monday in Beijing.

During their hour-long meeting, the generals exchanged views on international and regional situations, bilateral military relations and other issues of common concern.

India and China held their first joint naval exercises off the Shanghai port on November 14, 2003. Frontline warships of the two navies and aircraft were used during the drill.

General Vij said India considers the development of its relations with China a matter of great importance, and Indian-Chinese friendship is conducive to maintaining regional and global peace and stability.

The general expressed hopes that the nations and armies will increase exchanges and cooperate at various levels to strengthen ties.

Vij's visit reflects the overall development of Sino-Indian relations, said Pei Yuanying, a former Chinese ambassador to India, in an interview with China Daily.

Trade between the world's most populous developing countries has surpassed US$1.2 billion this year, a year ahead of the target.

Vij, who has been visiting various cities since his arrival last Wednesday, is the highest-ranking Indian army officer to visit China since 1994.

He is also meeting with other Chinese national and military leaders during his eight-day visit as a guest of the PLA Headquarters of the General Staff.

(China Daily December 28, 2004)