????BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- China and Britain pledged to strengthen bilateral military ties, as vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) Xu Qiliang and visiting British chief of the defence staff Nicolas Houghton met in Beijing on Monday.

????Recalling his first visit to China four years ago, Houghton said the relationship between China and Britain has become closer, as has the relationship between the two armies.

????Xu said bilateral military ties have developed well, with more exchanges and cooperation in different fields and levels.

????China and Britain cooperate in such fields as army force building, college education and personnel training. High-level officials of the two armies have maintained close contact and the bilateral exchange mechanism has been smooth.

????Xu hoped the two sides would continue working together to contribute to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Britain.

????Houghton also met with Fang Fenghui, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).