China and Australia have vowed to promote bilateral defense cooperation after the two countries' defense ministers met Wednesday at the Third ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Malaysia, reports China state news agency Xinhua.

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan met with Australian defense minister Marise Payne on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference, and also congratulated her on becoming the first-ever woman defense minister in Australia.

Like Us on Facebook

Chang said that the Chinese and Australian armies have made frequent high-level exchanges and interactions, and that the strategic negotiations have been pragmatic and efficient. He also said the cooperation in joint exercises and trainings has been smooth, the military communications have been active, and the relations between the two armies have developed healthily.

Chang said China would like to make joint efforts with the Australian side to maintain mutual exchanges among defense and military leaders. He said China will invite Payne to visit the country next year.

Payne said the cooperation between the Australian and Chinese armies in all areas has developed comprehensively. She said that Australia would like to continue maintaining the ties between the two armies, and added that her country doesn't take sides in the South China Sea disputes.

In late 2014, China and Australia agreed to increase their already close military relations, following an upgraded bilateral relationship and a breakthrough in free trade agreement talks.

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.

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

TagsChinese defense minister, Australian defense minister, Chang Wanquan, Marise Payne, Third ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting, ADMM, Malaysia