TOKYO - Visiting Chinese deputy chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army Ma Xiaotian met with Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa Monday in Tokyo, vowing to deepen communication between the two countries' defense departments.

Kitazawa said since the normalization of the relations, bilateral ties between China and Japan are improving amid twists and turns. Japan is ready to work with China to further boost exchanges in defense, so as to strengthen mutual trust and friendly cooperation.

Ma said the Chinese and Japanese people both value the hard- earned peace and stability in the region. Sticking to the strategic mutually beneficial bilateral relations conforms to the core interests of both nations. Defense is a sensitive but essential part in Japan-China ties, he hoped the defense ministries in both countries could deepen communications to consolidate friendship.

Ma expressed condolence to Japan on the loss of human life and properties following the March quake-tsunami disaster and the ensuing nuclear crisis. Kitazawa thanked the Chinese side for their support when Japan was having a difficult time.

Ma arrived in Tokyo on Monday. He is set to meet with his Japanese counterpart for the ninth dialogue between China and Japan on defense issues on Tuesday.