China and Bolivia on Saturday vowed to step up military
exchanges.
In a meeting with visiting Bolivian Commander-in-Chief Wilfredo
Vargas, Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said that despite the
distance separating them, China-Bolivia relations have grown
steadily over the past 22 years since the two countries established
diplomatic ties in 1985.
Highlighting the frequent high-level exchanges and expanded
cooperation, Cao said relations between the two armed forces have
also developed well.
China is ready to develop relations between the two countries
and the two armed forces, Cao said.
Cao also briefed the guest on China's stance on the Taiwan
issue.
Vargas said Bolivia has always adhered to the one-China policy,
adding that his country is eager to improve relations between the
two nations and the two armed forces.
Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation
Army Liang Guanglie held talks with Vargas prior to the
meeting.
Liang said the two armed forces had conducted personnel
exchanges, noting that China had provided training for Bolivian
military officers since 1992.
Vargas, who arrived in China on April 21, is on a nine-day
official visit to the country.
Vargas also visited Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan
Province, Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and Qingdao
in east China's Shandong Province.
(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2007)
