China and Australia agreed to increase their already close military relations, following an upgraded bilateral relationship and a breakthrough in free trade agreement talks, reports China state news agency Xinhua.

The pledge was the result of a meeting between Fan Changlong, the vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, and Australia's Defence Force chief Mark Binskin and Australian Secretary of Defense Dennis Richardson. The Australians were visiting China for an annual defense strategic dialogue.

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The agreement marked "a new high of mutual political trust between our countries," said Fan. "Military ties forge an important part of bilateral ties."

The two sides worked closely when searching for missing Malaysian airlines flight MH370, as well as in peacekeeping, anti-terrorism, joint exercises and education exchanges, Fan added.

Richardson said a total of 45 items of cooperation or exchanges between both militaries were agreed on in 2014, which accounted for much of the Australian armed forces' coordination with foreign troops.

All senior Australian military officials visited China this year, including Defense Minister David Johnston, all three Australian Defense Force Service Chiefs, Binskin, and Richardson.

Binskin said developing ties with the Chinese military is important to Australia, and hoped the two armed forces will boost practical cooperation and exchanges.

On Tuesday, Fang Fenghui , China's chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army held talks with Binskin and Richardson, and the two sides held their 17th annual Defense Strategic Dialogue.

TagsChina Australia Agree to Boost Military Ties, Fan Changlong, Mark Binskin, Dennis Richardson, David Johnston, Fang Fenghui