BEIJING — Chinese military officials met with visiting Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on April 8 in Beijing.

Hailing the close relations and friendship between China and Thailand, Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said that the two countries’ military exchanges and cooperation have played a positive role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Prawit, also Thailand’s deputy prime minister, pledged that Thailand will deepen defense and security cooperation with China.

Xu Qiliang, vice-chairman of China’s central military commission, said that the two countries’ armed forces have cooperated in a wide range of areas and expressed hope for closer cooperation.