¡¡¡¡BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- France expects to expand exchanges and cooperation with China in the military area, visiting French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said Monday evening.

¡¡¡¡She told a press conference that China and France, both membersof the Security Council of the United Nations, should increase consultations and cooperation in international affairs.

¡¡¡¡It is important for the two sides to have a smooth channel to exchange information, Alliot-Marie added.

¡¡¡¡She noted that military relations between France and China are an important component of bilateral ties and that French President Jacques Chirac attaches importance to relations with China, and hopes to further the military relations between the two countries.

¡¡¡¡Alliot-Marie arrived here Sunday and met Monday with senior Chinese leaders. Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks with her.

¡¡¡¡"All the meetings and talks with the Chinese leaders have been successful and in a good atmosphere," Alliot-Marie said.

¡¡¡¡She voiced her hope to have more exchanges and cooperation withthe Chinese military in personnel training and military industry. Enditem