New Zealand to build military ties with China

New Zealand defence minister said Friday that talks with his Chinese counterpart General Chang Wanquan on building links between the two countries' armed forces were successful.

"Our defence engagement with China continues to progress alongside the development of our broader political and economic links. The NZDF's (New Zealand Defence Force's) relationship with the PLA (People's Liberation Army) has been evolving over the last 10 years," Xinhua quoted Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman as saying.

"This year has seen a high level of defence engagement activities between our two countries. In August, the NZDF hosted Australian, US and Chinese military personnel for the first time for Exercise Phoenix Spirit, a humanitarian and disaster relief activity. We look forward to building on our engagement with the PLA in the future," he said.

"My meetings in Beijing also allowed for exchanges of views on China's Air Defence Identification Zone and on East China Sea issues."

Coleman, who is visiting China Nov 27- 30, said he met defence officials, as well as visited the PLA Peacekeeping Training Centre, the PLA University of Science and Technology and Nanjing Military Regional Command.