To step up friendly cooperation of armed forces of China and Singapore conforms with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is conducive to regional peace, stability and development, senior Chinese military official Liang Guanglie said Tuesday.

Liang, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), made the remarks while meeting with the Singaporean Chief of Army Desmond Kuek Bak Chye in Beijing.

The visiting Singaporean chief of army reiterated that Singapore adheres to the stance of supporting one-China and opposing "Taiwan Independence."

Liang, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission, said China appreciates such a stance taken by the Singaporean government.

Kuek said Singapore has always attached great importance to its ties with China and is ready to join hands with China to bring the bilateral relationship to a higher level.

It is for sure that the Chinese people can build a prosperous and strong country through peaceful development, Kuek added.

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2007)