China is optimistic about further expanding Sino-US military ties and hopes for healthier and more stable progress in army-to-army relations, Chinese Minister of National Defense Cao Gangchuan said Wednesday.

During his meeting with a delegation from the Armed Services Committee of House of Representatives of America, Cao said that army-to-army ties constitute an important part of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

"It is in the common interest of both nations to develop bilateral military ties," Cao said, "it also serves the peace and stability of the region and the world."

Only through exchange and communication can the two militaries deepen their understanding and build trust, which underlie the enhanced consensus and expanded cooperation, acknowledged Cao, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

Noting that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, Cao said the people in China will "show its greatest sincerity and do its utmost" to accomplish the peaceful reunification of the motherland.

"We Chinese are in firm opposition to all secessionist activities aimed at 'Taiwan independence,'" Cao said, "We will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China through whatever means."

Co-heading the delegation, Randy Forbes and Ike Skelton both voiced their hope to step up US-China military-to-military exchanges and reaffirmed the stance of the United States on resolving the Taiwan issue by peaceful means.

The delegation arrived here Tuesday for a five-day visit to China as guest of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress.