Guo Boxiong (R), vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with Angus Houston, chief of the Defense Force of Australia, in Beijing, China, July 21, 2008. Angus Houston is in Beijing to attend the 11th China-Australia Strategic Defense Consultation. (Xinhua Photo)

　　BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Guo Boxiong, a senior Chinese military officer, said here on Monday that China-Australia defense and military ties are at their best period in history.

　　Guo, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a meeting with Angus Houston, chief of the Defense Force of Australia, and Australian Defense Secretary Nick Warner, who are here to attend the 11th China-Australia Strategic Defense Consultation.

　　"Defense and military ties between China and Australia are at their best period in history, featuring frequent visits of leaders of armed forces and defense departments, healthy development of defense strategy consultation mechanisms and enhanced exchanges in various fields," said Guo.

　　He said the China-Australia strategic defense consultation mechanism has developed smoothly since 1997 and played an important role in strengthening strategic dialogue, enhancing mutual trust and promoting military-to-military ties.

　　He said China is ready to work with Australia to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, in a bid to jointly safeguard peace, stability and development in the region.

　　He also briefed the Australian guests on the Chinese government's policy on the Tibet issue.

　　Houston said the strategic defense consultation was very successful and has taken bilateral defense and military ties to a higher level. He added that the Australia side is ready to continue joint efforts with China to promote the development of bilateral military ties based on the principles of equality, transparency and contact.

　　Houston expressed condolences over the earthquake in Sichuan Province and praised the Chinese armed forces' relief work.