China and Bolivia on Saturday vowed to step up military exchanges.

 

In a meeting with visiting Bolivian Commander-in-Chief Wilfredo Vargas, Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said that despite the distance separating them, China-Bolivia relations have grown steadily over the past 22 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1985.

 

Highlighting the frequent high-level exchanges and expanded cooperation, Cao said relations between the two armed forces have also developed well.

 

China is ready to develop relations between the two countries and the two armed forces, Cao said.

 

Cao also briefed the guest on China's stance on the Taiwan issue.

 

Vargas said Bolivia has always adhered to the one-China policy, adding that his country is eager to improve relations between the two nations and the two armed forces.

 

Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Liang Guanglie held talks with Vargas prior to the meeting.

 

Liang said the two armed forces had conducted personnel exchanges, noting that China had provided training for Bolivian military officers since 1992.

 

Vargas, who arrived in China on April 21, is on a nine-day official visit to the country.

 

Vargas also visited Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2007)