Chinese, Pakistani defense chiefs meet on military ties

China and Pakistan should continue to enhance pragmatic military cooperation to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said here Thursday.

During a meeting with Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Chang said the "all-weather" friendship between China and Pakistan was a strategic choice of the two peoples in the fundamental interests of both countries.

China-Pakistan defense cooperation played an important role in bilateral relations, he said, adding the two countries' military ties should become closer in the face of ever-changing international and regional security situations.

Asif voiced appreciation for China's long-term support and help to Pakistan, saying Pakistani leaders attached importance to developing exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields.

Pakistan was willing to work with China to deepen all-round cooperation between the two countries and militaries, he said.

Chang arrived here early Thursday for an official visit.