BEIJING.- (Prensa Latina) Chinese National Defense Minister Chang Wanquan expressed China''s interest in increasing military links with Bolivia to a new level, the government reports today.

Yestersay, during a meeting in this capital with his Bolivian counterpart Reymi Ferreira, Chang reviewed the solid military exchanges between the two armies in recent years and praised the joint efforts of the leaders of both countries.

In addition, Ferreira express his thanks to the various types of support and assistance that the Asian nation has offered to the armed forces of Bolivia and agreed with the Chinese side in the desire to strengthen cooperation and boost relations between the two armies.

China has been cooperating in this area with Bolivia since 2006, with buses, pickup trucks, gunship patrol boats, anti-narcotics operations, outboard engines, technology transfer and technical advice.

In July, the Armed Forces of Bolivia received from the Chinese government 31 assault and anti-riot vehicles worth eight million dollars as part of the country's military assistance.

The Bolivian administration has emphasized that it maintains a close diplomatic and commercial relationship with China and has promoted its investments in the production and services sector of the South American nation.