Beijing, Seoul agree to step up defense cooperation

Enhanced ties will boost prospects for peace on peninsula

BEIJING - China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed on Wednesday to further strengthen defense cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the region, as the two countries held their first defense strategic dialogue in Seoul.

At the vice-ministerial-level meeting, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ma Xiaotian held talks with ROK Vice-Minister of Defense Lee Yong-gul on security issues, including the defense strategic dialogue mechanism and the regional security situation.