MOSCOW - Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, stressed here on Sunday that China is willing to further promote military cooperation with neighboring Russia.

Chen, who visited Russian military units from Friday to Sunday, said that China's army would like to work with the Russian forces to further advance their military ties, exchange their beneficial experience on building forces, and share with each other the achievements of military reforms.

China wants to step up its cooperation with Russia to mutually promote the army building in both countries, said Chen.

During his stay, Chen has visited several Russian units, including the 5th Guards Independent Motorized Infantry Brigade of Russia's West Command, which was seen as a representative troop in the Russian military reform.

The Chinese officer also visited the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier and the Akula-class K-317 Pantera nuclear attack submarine of 971 project in the northern Russian city of Murmansk.

Earlier, the Chinese Defense Ministry said that Chen's visit is aimed at enhancing understanding, friendship and cooperation between the armies of China and Russia.

Chen made the visit at the invitation of Russian Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Makarov.

Russia is the first leg of Chen's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Ukraine and Israel.