What’s new: China is willing to do more with Russia to maintain international security and stability, Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu told Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the two countries seek to deepen their military ties.
Li met with Putin in Moscow on Sunday while on a four-day visit to Russia, his first trip abroad since taking the helm of the Ministry of National Defense last month.
During the meeting, Li said China is willing to work with Russia to strengthen strategic communication between their militaries and “enhance multilateral coordination and cooperation,” according to Chinese state media.
Putin noted Russian-Chinese military cooperation plays an important role in boosting bilateral ties, adding that he hopes for more joint exercises and professional exchanges between the two armed forces, the report said.
“The relationship between … our armed forces is growing stronger day by day,” Li said in a statement from the Kremlin. “Our relations have already entered a new era.”
The background: The meeting came a month after President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow, during which he and Putin agreed to deepen bilateral relations through further strategic and economic cooperation, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
They also called for “responsible dialogue” to end the war in Ukraine, which has put China’s close ties with Russia in the spotlight.
Contact reporter Wang Xintong (xintongwang@caixin.com) and editor Jonathan Breen (jonathanbreen@caixin.com)
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