Jun.11 (China Military News cited from xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said Friday in Beijing that China will work with Japan to boost mutual trust in security affairs and reinforce bilateral defense exchanges.

"This will help with the growth of China-Japan strategic and mutually-beneficial relations," Liang said when meeting with a delegation of Japanese military officers and the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund.

Hailing the sound development of China-Japan relations, Liang said Premier Wen Jiabao's successful visit to Japan recently injected new vitality into bilateral ties.

Sailors from PLA Navy and Japan JMSDF in training

Liang also spoke highly of the non-government-organized exchange programs between Chinese and Japanese young military officers, expressing hope such programs will further boost bilateral defense exchanges.

The programs have been conducted for ten years by the Sasakawa Japan-China Friendship Fund and the China Institute for International Strategic Studies.

Under the framework, more than 180 Chinese military officers have visited Japan and over 110 Japanese officers have visited China.

Yohei Sasakawa, head of the delegation and chairman of the Nippon Foundation, said the exchange programs plays an important role in enhancing bilateral exchange and cooperation in the defense sector.