China, Japan to enhance defense exchnges

Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie has met with his Japanese counterpart Toshimi Kitazawa in Tokyo. The two sides have agreed to enhance defense exchanges as part of efforts to further boost ties and mutual trust.

The Chinese defense minister attended a military ceremony at the Japanese Ministry of Defense on Friday. The Japanese side welcomed him with a guard of honor.

The ministers then held a two-hour meeting, discussing issues on regional security and co-operation.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said, "Defense Minister Kitazawa and I have discussed issues on regional security especially within the Asia-Pacific region, our defense measures and defense co-operation between the two countries. We have openly exchanged ideas without any hesitation and agreed upon various goals by sharing issues and concerns."