Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Monday that China is willing to further military cooperation and friendly relations with South Africa in various fields.

Cao said in a meeting with Deputy Defense Minister of South Africa Mluleki George that Chinese armed forces attach great importance to the friendship with the armed forces of South Africa.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that the Chinese and South African peoples have a long friendship and bilateral relations have been growing rapidly in an all-round way since the two countries established the diplomatic ties.

Cao noted that the two countries have established a strategic partnership featuring equality, mutual benefit and common development, and bilateral cooperation in various fields have seen continuous development and fruitful achievements.

He also said that relations between the two military forces have made rapid progress in recent years, adding the two sides have a wide range of cooperation in numerous aspects.

He also briefed the guests on China's domestic construction.

George said the friendship between South Africa and China has a long history and China has given a strong support to South Africa's fight against apartheid.

George said the South African government will continue to strengthen the friendly relations between the two nations and the two armed forces.

Zhang Li, deputy chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was also present at the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2005)