DILI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China commends Timor-Leste for upholding strategic autonomy and standing firm for fairness and justice, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said here on Tuesday.

Dong made the remarks during his meeting with Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos-Horta.

Dong noted that China firmly supports the development of Timor-Leste's national defense and military, and is willing to work with Timor-Leste to take military-to-military relations to a new level.

Ramos-Horta thanked China for its long-standing support and assistance since Timor-Leste's independence, and expressed the hope that the two militaries will deepen and expand practical cooperation.

He said Timor-Leste firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to work with China and other countries in the region to build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.