Vietnam, China Defence Ministers hold telephone talks The formation of a direct communication line between the two Defence Ministries demonstrates mutual trust in bilateral defence relations and facilitates the timely exchange of issues of shared concern, said Minister of Defence General Phung Quang Thanh and his Chinese counterpart Senior Lieut. Gen Chang Wanquan. On December 31, Vietnam and China defence leaders had a telephone conservation marking the establishment of a direct line of communication and the end of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The two ministers spoke highly of defence cooperation over recent years that have produced practical results and is one of the important pillars in the relationship between the two countries, thus helping maintain an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, meeting interests each country's people and resolving disagreements satisfactorily on the basis of common perceptions of senior leaders. They underscored the need to further promote defence cooperation with a focus on intensifying exchanges at all levels, effectively implementing signed agreements aiming to develop the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership in a healthy and stable manner. The two defence leaders also took the occasion to congratulate both countries on the traditional New Year 2016. VOV