China to work with militaries of other SCO member states to further deepen defense ties

The Chinese military will work with militaries of other Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states to further deepen defense cooperation, a defense spokesman said on Thursday, as the SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting is being held in Qingdao, Shandong province, from Wednesday to Thursday.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Defense Ministry, made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing, noting that hosting the high-level meeting, which was presided by Defense Minister Dong Jun, is an important action to perform the duties of China as the rotating chair of the SCO this year.

"Throughout the SCO's establishment and development, defense and security cooperation has played a role of special significance," he said.

Zhang stressed that the Chinese side has actively promoted strategic communication, deepened substantive cooperation, and initiated many cooperation programs, listing several examples.

"First, we have organized or participated in the Defense Minister's Meeting, the Chiefs of General Staff Meeting, the meeting of International Military Cooperation Organs, and so on," he said.

Through these events, China has communicated and exchanged views with all member states, reaching consensus and promoting the SCO's voice on international and regional security issues, the spokesman highlighted.

In addition, China has hosted and also attended various events, such as the Peace Mission joint exercises, multiple times, and conducted professional exchanges on military medicine, transportation, translation and other areas, according to him.

"Cooperation in various fields has been deepened and solidified," said Zhang.

Furthermore, China has enriched the channels for exchanges among service members of the SCO member states, and strengthened their friendship and mutual trust, by initiating and holding the seminars for officers from junior-and-middle to senior levels, he said.

"The Chinese military will work with militaries of other SCO member states to carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, further broaden and deepen defense cooperation," he said.

The SCO countries will join hands in building a common home featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, and fairness and justice, thereby contributing to building a community with a shared future for mankind, said the official.