Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks with his Australian counterpart Robert Hill Tuesday afternoon, highlighting the increased cooperation between the two countries and their armies.  

Cao, also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said the relationship between China and Australia is in "one of the best periods in history," adding the two nations have developed a smooth relationship with mutual trust in politics and wide-ranging cooperation in economy, trade, energy and culture, and other spheres.

"China is ready to make joint efforts with the Australian side to broaden the mutually beneficial cooperation in a bid to bring benefits to the people of both nations," he said.

Cao also lauded the friendly relations between the armies of the two nations, noting that the Chinese military forces would work with the Australian military to upgrade their good cooperative relations to a new level so as to contribute to the growth of comprehensive cooperative relations between the two countries.

Hill said Australia and China enjoyed good relations with a high level of political mutual trust and friendly cooperation in various areas.

Meanwhile, he voiced a wish to go on enhancing military exchanges and cooperation.

"I'm confident of the direction in which the relations between the two armed forces has been developing," he said.

Hill arrived in Beijing Monday for an official goodwill visit to China as guest of Cao.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2005)