Senior military officials from China and Indonesia agreed on Tuesday to enhance military-to-military cooperation between the two countries, in order to jointly safeguard regional security and stability.
Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with visiting Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Beijing on Tuesday. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held talks with his Indonesian counterpart on the same day.
During his meeting with Sjafrie, Zhang said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future is advancing steadily, setting a model for South-South cooperation and mutual benefit.
China stands ready to work with Indonesia to explore new areas of cooperation, enhance the momentum of collaboration, and elevate mil-to-mil relations to jointly safeguard regional security and stability, Zhang said.
Sjafrie said that Indonesia is committed to working with China to act on the two heads of state's important common understandings, deepen strategic mutual trust and enhance practical cooperation between the two armies.
During the talks with Sjafrie, Dong said that the momentum of relations between the two armies has been strong, with new opportunities arising.
He urged both sides to seize opportunities to elevate cooperation, launch forward-looking, exemplary, and pioneering projects and brands, and create a favorable environment for the mutual development of both countries and other countries in the region.
Sjafrie expressed Indonesia's willingness to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China, further enhance mil-to-mil relations and continuously improve cooperation in defense and security.
Prior to the talks, Dong held a welcome ceremony for Sjafrie and accompanied him in reviewing the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
China, Indonesia to deepen mil-to-mil cooperation
Attractions across China are embracing a tourist boom during the five-day May Day holiday season beginning on Thursday.
In south China's Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a mega bridge connecting Guangdong's Zhuhai City with neighboring Hong Kong and Macao, is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The total number of visits of the bridge during the holiday has exceeded 6,800, about 50 percent more than that on normal days.
"I am indeed feeling very proud [of this mega project], a big thumbs-up for our great country!" said a tourist surnamed Ke.
In the Tianmen Mountain scenic area in Zhangjiajie, central China's Hunan Province, performances featuring local folk customs are amazing tourists from home and abroad.
"I think it's really traditional in China, the costumes and the dance. We really like it," said tourist Julie from France.
"I love the performance. I felt like it was very immersive, and with the view, it's crazy. I'll recommend everyone thinking of coming here for sure," said tourist Duarte from Portugal.
In northwest China's Gansu Province, the famous Mogao Grottoes are also see a peak of visits during the holiday, as the tickets, which are limited to 6,000 per day, would all sell out well in advance.
Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Mogao Grottoes are home to a vast collection of Buddhist artworks, with more than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals located in 735 caves, carved along the cliffs by ancient worshipers.
In northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, more than 1,900 meters above sea level, had the ice floes on it thawed just before the holiday, offering tourists a breathtaking view.
"This is my first time to visit the lake. The view is shockingly beautiful when you see it in person!" said tourist Chen Yanru from northeast China's Liaoning Province.
Xinjiang's Manas county is a famous destination for self-driving tours because of the region's diverse natural landscapes, such as yardangs, the Danxia landform, river valleys, canyons, alpine meadows and forests.
"It's a very worthwhile trip for the holiday. I am amazed by the picturesque scenery of Xinjiang," said tourist Zhou Chenchong from Shanghai.
Attractions across China embrace May Day holiday tourism boom
