China and Australia convened the ninth defense strategic consultation in Beijing Thursday to discuss international or regional security issues of common concern.

Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), chaired the consultation.

He pointed out that the annual bilateral consultation enables the two countries to exchange ideas over issues of common concern in the spirit of mutual respect and equality.

The consultation is conducive to the mutual understanding between the defense departments and military forces of both countries, further enhances their extensive communication and friendly cooperation, and promotes the overall development of bilateral relations, he said.

Ken Gillespie, vice chief of the Australian Defense Force, said during the consultation talks that Australia is willing to develop a strong relationship with China in an open and friendly manner.

The Australian side expressed their hope to strengthen military ties with the PLA through more mutual high-level visits, strategic consultations and exchanges among military institutes from both countries.

The two sides also made consultations on combating terrorism, the prevention of weapons of mass destruction and participation in UN peace missions.

The China-Australia defense strategic consultation has been conducted once a year consecutively in Beijing or Canberra since 1997.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)