Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held talks with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Beijing on Monday.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Dong said the bilateral relationship featuring high-level mutual trust and intensive cooperation is an exemplary model between major countries.
The two militaries should deepen strategic cooperation and enhance the quality and effectiveness of their cooperation, Dong said, adding that both sides should continuously advance the development of military relations, firmly defend the common interests of the two countries, and work together to safeguard global strategic stability.
Belousov said that military cooperation between Russia and China is important in safeguarding global and regional peace and stability.
The Russian side is willing to work with the Chinese side to continuously carry out efficient cooperation, and jointly address security challenges, said Belousov.
Prior to the talks, Dong hosted a welcome ceremony for Belousov and accompanied him for a review of an Honor Guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Chinese, Russian defense ministers hold talks in Beijing
Chinese, Russian defense ministers hold talks in Beijing
A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.
The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.
"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.
The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.
"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.
"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.
Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.
This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.
Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit
