Australian defence officials have held "frank" talks with Chinese counterparts about growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea.
Senior leaders from the Defence Force and China's People Liberation Army met in Canberra on Monday in the 20th edition of annual bilateral discussions.
Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, who co-chaired the meeting, said the forum provided a "frank and open" discussion on a number of regional issues.
"This year's exchange of views was quite productive and we agreed maintaining regional peace and stability - including on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea - is vital for both nations and for the broader region," the vice chief of the Defence Force said in a statement.
The two nations committed to a program of regular activities in 2018, including joint exercises, educational exchanges and ship visits.
