Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (R) shakes hands with visiting Indian Minister of Defense Pranab Mukherjee during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 29, 2006.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and Indian defense ministers on Monday pledged to deepen military exchanges between the two armed forces.

    Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said during the talks here with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee that the Chinese government hoped peace, stability and economic growth would continue in the south Asia region.

    Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the Chinese government supported efforts of south Asian nations to push for regional cooperation.

    Friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation were in the fundamental interests of China and India, and were conducive to the peace, stability and development of Asia and the world, Cao said.

    Mukherjee said India attached great importance to the strategic and cooperative partnership with China. The Indian government would work with China on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust to continue deepening defense and military exchanges.

    Mukherjee arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a six-day visit as a guest of Cao.

    This is Mukherjee's first trip to China since the assumption of his post in 2004. He is expected to meet and hold talks with Chinese leaders and senior military officers.

    The Indian minister will also visit northwest China's Gansu Province and Shanghai Municipality, the country's economic hub in east China. Enditem