Navy chiefs of S. Korea, China vow 'pragmatic' cooperation

The navy chiefs of South Korea and China held talks this week during which they voiced their willingness to forge "pragmatic" cooperation to ensure peace and stability in Northeast Asia, according to China's military on Saturday.

Adm. Chung Ho-seop, the South Korean Navy's Chief of Staff, met with Adm. Wu Shengli, commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) navy, in Beijing on Thursday, the PLA Daily, the Chinese military's official newspaper, reported late Friday.

During the talks, Wu said, "Developing comprehensive and sustainable relations between the navies of China and South Korea based on mutual trust is of great significance for the two nations in jointly facing security challenges and safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia."

Wu asked Chung to "boost pragmatic exchange and cooperation."

In return, Chung said he hopes this week's talks will help strengthen bilateral cooperation, according to the report.

The report made no mention of North Korea, which continues to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities.

South Korea and China, former battlefield foes, have steadily worked together to improve relations in the military field.

China fought alongside North Korea in the 1950-53 Korean War, while the United States and 20 other allied countries fought on South Korea's side under the U.N. flag. (Yonhap)