China and Chile on Thursday pledged to step up military cooperation and communication in an effort to safeguard the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Developing the relations between the two armies conforms to the basic interests of China and Chile. China is willing to enhance military cooperation and communication in a wider range of areas," said Defense Minister Liang Guanglie while meeting with Edmundo Gonzalez, commander-in-chief of the Chilean navy, in Beijing.

Chile was the first South American country to established diplomatic ties with China in 1970, and bilateral military relations were established soon after, Liang said.

Currently, the two militaries have established channels for communication with frequent high-level visits, while broadening areas for professional communication and increasing the frequency of personnel training, Liang said.

The two navies have also enjoyed close exchanges. Chinese navy ships have visited Chile many times while Chile's training ship, the Esmeralda, has visited China several times, Liang said.

Gonzales said he was glad that the Chilean navy maintains good relations with its Chinese counterpart, adding that he hopes the two navies can conduct cooperation in a variety of areas and enhance personnel, technology and equipment communication.

The Esmeralda will visit China again in 2012, Gonzalez added.