(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-07 15:46

BEIJING  -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie Monday met with Viktor Zavarzin, chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, saying bilateral military ties were in best period in history.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, said China and Russia were seeing greater progress in their strategic partnership. The two defense departments and militaries had also stepped up frequent high-level exchanges and maintained effective consultation on international and regional issues.

The Chinese and Russian defense ministries opened a direct telephone line on March 14 to enhance bilateral cooperation.

"The newly opened link, reflecting the level of political trust and strategic coordination between the two countries, is helpful for our two nations to coordinate on important issues so as to promote military ties," Liang said.

Zavarzin expressed appreciation for the two-way cooperation under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

He said Russia was willing to make joint efforts with China to promote cooperation.

Also present at the meeting were Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Xiong Guangkai, chairman of China Institute for International Strategic Studies, Jia Xiaoning, deputy director of Foreign Affairs Office of Chinese Defense Ministry, and Russian ambassador to China Sergei Razov.