Beijing, Hanoi to improve defense ties

China and Vietnam will foster defense cooperation, strengthen strategic communication, settle differences appropriately, and maintain peace and security in the South China Sea, a senior Chinese military official said on Monday.

The two countries are neighbors with a common goal and a shared destiny, and the relationship is developing with positive momentum, said General Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, who led a delegation to Hanoi on Sunday and Monday.

China attaches great importance to developing Sino-Vietnamese military relations and will strengthen cooperation with the Vietnamese military to push for greater development, Fan added.