Canberra urged to see Beijing's military 'rationally'

The Chinese and Australian militaries will deepen mutual understanding and trust, expand practical cooperation and maintain positive growth in military relations, senior military officials said on Thursday.

General Wei Fenghe, state councilor and minister of national defense, made the remark during a meeting with his Australian counterpart, Christopher Pyne in Beijing. It is Pyne's first visit to China after taking office in August.

Experts said the visit is a much-needed change given the recent chill in China-Australia relations over security matters such as espionage, cybersecurity and the South China Sea. They also urged Australia to view China's military development "objectively and rationally" without foreign influences.