The army-to-army cooperation between China and Russia is not targeted at any third party, said Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan here Monday. Rather, he said, it serves the interest of regional and world peace. (xinhua photo)

BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- China is willing to work with Russia to deepen bilateral military cooperation, and advance Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, said a senior Chinese military officer here Monday, according to Foreign Ministry sources.

    The army-to-army cooperation between China and Russia is not targeted at any third party, said Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan here Monday. Rather, he said, it serves the interest of regional and world peace.

    Saying the cooperation will help the two armies to learn from each other, Cao said in talks with visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov that frequent exchange of visits between Chinese and Russian military leaders is of great significance in deepening thestrategic partnership of coordination and beefing up bilateral military ties, according to Foreign Ministry sourcesGuo said as an important part of the strategic partnership of cooperation between the two nations, bilateral military ties have kept strengthening in recent years.

    Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission, made the remarks when meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, who is here on a four-day China visit as guest of Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan.

    The two armed forces have had frequent high-level visits and expanded their cooperation fields, Guo said. The security consultation system between the two sides operates well, he added.

    As for the very complicated situation across the Taiwan Strait,Guo said the separatism activities of Taiwan authorities posed thebiggest threat to peace and stability across the strait.

    He said the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will never tolerate any attempt to separate Taiwan from China, which is a consistent and unchangeable stand of China.

    Guo expressed appreciation for Russia's one-China principled stance on Taiwan issue.

    Ivanov said Russia-China relations experienced remarkable progress over recent years. The military technological cooperationbetween the two sides continuously expanded and advanced.

    He hoped the two armed forces will keep on their mutual-beneficial and friendly cooperation and exchanges.

    With regard to Taiwan issue, Ivanov said Russia's one-China stance is steadfast and will not change in the future.

    China is ready to join hands with Russia to push forward bilateral military ties, said Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

    The Russian-Chinese collaboration in military affairs is "mature and fruitful," Ivanov said, pledging further efforts for the army-to-amry ties.

    As for the first-ever China-Russia joint military exercise nextyear, both men agreed that it will be "an important event," the significance and impact of which will be "far-reaching."

    Prior to the talks, Ivanov also met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Guo Boxiong. Hu is also chairman of the Central Military Commission ofthe Communist Party of China.

    Ivanov, who arrived Sunday night as Cao's guest, will leave here Tuesday for Sanya, a seaside resort in south China's island province of Hainan. Enditem