China will promote "sound and stead" development of military-to-military ties with Vietnam even as Vietnam said it sees the development of friendly relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in its foreign policy.
Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, who is in Vietnam for a high-level meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, President Luong Cuong, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, and general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, said China cherishes the traditional friendship between the two parties, countries, and militaries, reported news agency Xinhua.
Zhang and Phan Van Giang spoke about the international and regional situation and relations between the two militaries.
Zhang assured that Beijing will promote the sound and steady development of military-to-military ties with Vietnam to support the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.
Observing that bilateral defense relations between Vietnam and China have taken new steps, Lam expressed hopes to further deepen practical cooperation, increase strategic mutual trust, work together to cope with threats and challenges, and jointly safeguard regional and world peace and stability. He said Vietnam bears in mind China's help in its struggle for national independence and socialist construction.
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Lam assured that Vietnam firmly abides by the one-China policy.
Several agreements on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries were signed during the visit.
