BEIJING - Chinese military officials met with visiting Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Wednesday 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.