"China has become a big country in the fields of economy, politics and defense."Beijing (ANTARA News) - The defense cooperation between Indonesia and China continues to increase, according to Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Imron Cotan.
While meeting with 11 students from the Indonesian Defense University at his office on Monday, Imron said defense cooperation between the two countries was progressing significantly.
He noted the improved cooperation was marked by reciprocal visits by the two countries` top officials.
"The latest visit to China was by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, which was followed up by other high officials from Indonesia. Also, there are students from the Indonesian Defense University who are studying at China`s National Defense University," Imron explained.
He said the visits clearly indicated the relations and defense cooperation between Indonesia and China were getting better.
Imron noted Indonesia had bought a number of weapons from China and the two countries had even agreed to jointly produce C-705 missiles for the Indonesian Navy.
He added a consultation forum had been set up as part of the defense and security cooperation agreement between the two countries.
In 2007, an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense was signed by the governments of Indonesia and the People`s Republic of China.
Then, in 2011, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on defense industry.
"And in less than two decades, China has become a big country in the fields of economy, politics and defense at a global level," Imron said.
China`s defense industry employs around 3 million military personnel.
(Uu.O001/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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