Article Posted on : - Nov 01, 2011

A file photo of Nepal Army.

BEIJING (PTI): China and Nepal Monday discussed bilateral military cooperation as Beijing praised Kathmandu's tough measures against anti-Chinese protests by Tibetan refugees in the country.

"China approves of Nepal's firm stance on issues relating to Tibet and heartily appreciates Nepal's sincere cooperation in that area," General Chen Bingde, the Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army told his Nepalese counterpart General Chhatraman Singh Gurung during their meeting here today.

China lauded the tough stance by Nepal in dealing with "Tibetan related issues", apparently the tough measures initiated by Kathmandu in dealing with Tibetan refugees.

General Gurung, who is in China of an official visit, stressed that Nepal views China as a "friend for all time."

"Nepal has always adhered to the one-China policy and will never allow any force to make use of the Nepalese territory to engage in anti-China activities," he said.

The top Nepalese commander said the militaries of the two countries have cooperated well in recent years and vowed to work with China to continuously enhance Nepal-China relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on military cooperation in the fields of medical treatment and non-traditional security.

Chen's praise for Nepal came in the backdrop of tough stance being adopted by the Nepalese army towards Tibetan refugees who trek the treacherous Himalayan trail to escape from Tibet to Dharamshala in India to meet their spiritual leader Dalai Lama, an issue which has been widely criticised by the international human rights groups.

Nepalese police have frequently arrested Tibetans for crossing into Nepal or holding anti-Beijing protests in Kathmandu.

General Chen, who visited Nepal in March this year, hoped that the two sides will continue to mutually assist each other, cope with difficulties and challenges and safeguard bilateral common interests, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

He said China and Nepal have enjoyed good relations since ancient times, adding that people from the two countries share a deep friendship.

"China will stick to the policy of 'building friendships and partnerships with neighbouring countries' and work with Nepal to become good neighbors, friends and partners," the top Chinese commander said.

General Gurung is scheduled to meet with Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission Xu Caihou on Tuesday.