BEIJING - The defense ministers of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) agreed on Friday to beef up bilateral military exchanges in order to maintain peace and stability in northeast Asia.

The agreement was made during the talks between China's Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and his ROK counterpart Kim Kuan-jin.

Hailing the stable growth of bilateral military relations, Liang, who is also a state councilor, said China holds a positive attitude toward enhancing military exchanges and cooperation with the ROK.

"We hope to enhance coordination with the ROK's armed forces and boost the development of ties between the two countries and their militaries," Liang said.

Kim agreed on Liang's assessment of bilateral military ties, adding that cementing ROK-China military relations helps to sustain peace and stability in northeast Asia.

He reiterated the ROK's adherence to the one-China policy, adding that the ROK's armed forces are ready to further explore their cooperative potential with China.

Kim vowed to make joint efforts with China to build a military relationship that adapts to the strategic cooperation partnership held between the two countries.

Liang also elaborated on China's stance on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Taiwan issue.

The two defense ministers agreed to set up a high-level military strategic dialogue mechanism and carry out military exchanges in the areas of training and education.

Invited by Liang, Kim arrived in Beijing on Thursday for his first visit to China after taking office last year. Vice President Xi Jinping also met with him.