BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met Tuesday with Singapore's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral, Chew Men Leong.

Liang said the past 20 years had seen a rapid developing bilateral relationship and fruitful cooperation between the two nations.

Inter-military cooperation was also progressing soundly and China was willing to promote bilateral links to higher levels, said Liang.

Chew said the two navies were deepening cooperation in port visits, officer exchanges, and escort operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Singapore hoped to continue enhancing cooperation and exchanges between the two countries' armed forces, he said.