CHINA, JORDAN SEEK TO IMPROVE MILITARY TIES AMMAN Ñ Jordan has sought to improve military relations with China.

Jordanian officials said the kingdom has been examining a range of prospects for military cooperation between Amman and Beijing over the next two years. They said the options include high-level visits, joint exercises, training, exchange of expertise and weapons sales.

The two countries have been discussing an enhancement of military relations during a visit by Jordanian Chief of Staff Gen. Khaled Sarayreh to Beijing. Sarayreh has met his counterpart, Liang Gyuanglie, and other Chinese commanders during his six-day visit to Beijing.

"Gen. Sarayreh will hold official talks with chairman of the Chinese chiefs of staff on developing military cooperation between Jordan and China in the various fields as well as issues of common interest," the official Jordanian news agency Petra said.

China has not been regarded as a military ally of the pro-U.S. Hashemite kingdom. Beijing was not known to have supplied major weapons, training or upgrades to Amman.

The two countries have also not reported conducting any joint exercises. In the 1990s, Jordan sent military cadets to China's rival, Taiwan, for training.

But officials said both China and Jordan seek defense opportunities.

Beijing has sought to market missile and unmanned air vehicle platforms and technology while Jordan has been examining cooperation to ensure development and marketing of its nascent defense industry.

Petra said Sarayreh was also expected to visit Chinese military facilities in an effort to examine "China's expertise in modernizing its army." The Jordanian chief of staff was also scheduled to visit military units and attend exercises.