BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan on Tuesday met with his counterpart from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Kim Jang Soo.

    Cao said bilateral relations between China and the ROK have enjoyed rapid development since the two established diplomatic ties 15 years ago, noting that the ties between the two armed forces have kept a sound momentum of growth.

    Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said China is ready to make joint efforts with the ROK to continuously expand exchanges and deepen bilateral cooperation so as to bring the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces to a higher level.

    Cao also briefed the guest on China's stance on the Korean nuclear issue and the Taiwan issue.

    Kim said the steady development of ROK-China relations plays an important role in maintaining and furthering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in northeast Asia.

    Kim said the ROK would continue to stick to the one China policy and further tighten the relationship between the two countries and the two armed forces.

    Kim also spoke highly of China's constructive role in moving forward the process of the six-party talks aimed at resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

    Kim started his visit to China on Monday morning at Cao's invitation.