国内英语新闻:China vows to further military ties with Thailand

BANGKOK, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese military will adopt a more open and cooperative attitude when developing friendly ties with Thailand's armed forces, a senior Chinese defense official said Monday.

Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army of China, made the pledge at the 9th Defence and Security Consultations between the Chinese and Thai Defence Ministries.

Complex and profound changes are taking place in regional situations, said Ma. It is the responsibility of governments and armed forces in the region to enhance international cooperation, jointly cope with challenges, safeguard regional peace and stability to create favorable security conditions for common development, Ma said.

The Chinese military is willing to boost in-depth, wide-ranging and all-dimensional ties with Thailand, building upon past achievements, Ma said.

General Kittipong Keskowit, permanent secretary for defence of Thailand, hailed the long-lasting friendly cooperation between Thailand and China.

He also expressed Thailand's willingness to continue carrying out close military exchanges and cooperation with China so as to contribute to the eternal friendship between the two countries and to the peace and stability of the region.

During the event, Ma, on behalf of the Chinese military, donated 20 transport speedboats to Thailand to support its fight against the current floods.

Ma arrived in Thailand on Saturday for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Thai Defence Ministry.