Chinese admiral says cooperative military ties with Indonesia help maintain regional security

SINGAPORE - China and Malaysia have witnessed smooth development of friendly and cooperative military ties in recent years, Admiral Sun Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, said here Friday when meeting with Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

Sun said the Chinese and Indonesian sides kept good communications and coordination, effectively helped maintain peace and stability in the region. He also expressed the hope that the two militaries would further shore up cooperation in various fields.

Ryamizard said that during the 6th China-ASEAN Defence Ministers Informal Meeting held last month, defense chiefs from Indonesia and China conducted good communications. On the South China Sea issue, Ryamizard said related countries should make joint efforts to maintain regional security.

Ryamizard also noted that terrorism is a common threat faced by both countries, and Indonesia would like to cooperate with China in dealing with terror threats as well as safeguarding peace in the region.

During the meeting, the Chinese admiral also expounded on China's consistent position on the South China Sea issue.