Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (R) shakes hands with Tongan King Taufa'ahau Tupou V during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, April 15, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met here Tuesday with visiting Tongan King Taufa'ahau Tupou V, and the two expressed the hope to enhance exchange and cooperation between the two militaries.

    Hailing the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 10 years ago, Liang, also a state councillor, noted that the two nations had fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade, agriculture and education, and kept a sound coordination in regional and international affairs.

    China values relations with Tonga, and was ready to further promote friendly cooperation between the two nations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, Liang said.

    Liang said the two armed forces have constantly made new progress in bilateral relations, with frequent high level visits and sound momentum in the exchange of personnel training and other fields.

    Speaking highly of the China-Tonga military relations, Liang said China would work with Tonga to expand exchanges and increase pragmatic cooperation between the two armed forces.

    King Tupou V said his country and China witnessed sound cooperation between the two militaries, hoping that the two armed forces would continue to advance bilateral ties.

    King Tupou V arrived in Beijing Sunday following his attendance in the year's annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) held in Sanya, a scenic city in south China's Hainan Province.