BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Xu Caihou, vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC), said here Wednesday that China-Japan relations are developing smoothly and their political foundation is consolidating continuously.

　　Meeting with a delegation from the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund, Xu said China is grateful for the disaster relief and reconstruction aid from Japan in the wake of the May 12 Sichuan earthquake.

　　The two countries' defense departments have cooperated effectively over high-level contacts, vessels visits, and security consultations, Xu said.

　　"The Chinese military is ready to work with its Japanese counterpart to enhance cooperation in all areas to boost strategic trust between the two states and safeguard the good momentum in Sino-Japanese relations," he said.

　　Ogata Takeju, head of the delegation, said the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund would continuously enhance Japan-China relations, and play a positive role in pushing exchanges between young officers.

　　The Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund is a non-governmental organization founded in 1989.