China’s Defence Minister, Chang Wanquan, vowed to strengthen the military co-operation with Portugal, Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported. He made his remarks after meeting the Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces, Artur Neves Pina Monteiro, on Tuesday in Beijing.

Hailing the bilateral military ties over the years, Mr Chang was quoted saying that “China is willing to work with the Portuguese side to further promote military exchanges and co-operation in all areas”.

The co-operation agreement between the two defence ministries – signed in 2006 – had paved the way for bilateral military exchanges and co-operation, he added.

Mr Pina Monteiro said – quoted by Xinhua – Portugal was willing to explore military exchanges with China in several areas including the training of young military officers and international peacekeeping missions, particularly in Portuguese-speaking African countries.