Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Tuesday pledged to increase military cooperation with Ecuador.

Liang, also a State Councilor, made the remarks during his talk with Ecuador Minister of Defense Javier Ponce.

Hailing the smooth growth of Sino-Ecuadorian relations, Liang said to enhance cooperation accorded with the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

China valued the friendly relation with the Ecuadorian armed forces, and was ready to promote exchanges and cooperation in various areas between the two defense organs and the two militaries.

Liang hoped the two countries would make concerted efforts to lift bilateral military relations to a new level.

He also briefed guests on China's stance over the Taiwan issue.

Ponce said Ecuador would work with China to create a new situation of the development of bilateral relations, and to strengthen the defense cooperation between the two sides.

Ecuador would continue sticking to one-China policy, Ponce reiterated.

Zhou Tienong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top advisory body, also met with Ponce on Tuesday.

He hoped the relation between the two militaries would witness further growth with the joint efforts of both sides.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2008)