Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (R) meets with former Australian Prime Minister Robert Hawke in Beijing, China, July 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China attached great importance to ties with Australia, Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang said here during a meeting with the country's ex-Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

    Zhang said China was ready to work with Australia to view and develop the relationship from the strategic perspective, enhance dialogue and communication, and boost mutual trust and cooperation.

    He said China would make joint efforts with Australia to promote the long-term and sound development of the relations of all-round cooperation.

    Zhang also hoped Hawke would continue to make positive efforts for the Sino-Australian friendly cooperation.

    Hawke said he would make new contributions to the development of the China-Australia relations and wished the Beijing Olympic Games a complete success.

China to intensify co-op with S. Korea, U.S., Australia

    SINGAPORE, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Wednesday met here separately with South Korea's Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on bilateral cooperation and regional issues of common concern at the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Regional Forum.

Senior Chinese officer: China-Australia military ties best yet

Guo Boxiong (R), vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with Angus Houston, chief of the Defense Force of Australia, in Beijing, China, July 21, 2008. Angus Houston is in Beijing to attend the 11th China-Australia Strategic Defense Consultation. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Guo Boxiong, a senior Chinese military officer, said here on Monday that China-Australia defense and military ties are at their best period in history.

    Guo, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a meeting with Angus Houston, chief of the Defense Force of Australia, and Australian Defense Secretary Nick Warner, who are here to attend the 11th China-Australia Strategic Defense Consultation.

China, Australia hold 11th Strategic Defence Consultation

    BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Australian military leaders convened the 11th Strategic Defence Consultation here on Sunday, exchanging views on international and regional security issues of common concern and bilateral military relations.

    Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, chaired the consultation.