MOSCOW (AFP) – Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu hailed ties with Moscow during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
“We have very strong ties. They surpass the military-political alliances of the Cold War era... They are very stable,” he said in translated remarks broadcast on Russian TV.
He added that Russia-China ties have “already entered a new era”.
“This is my first overseas visit since taking over as China’s defense minister. I specifically chose Russia for this in order to emphasize the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral ties,” Li said.
Li also said China was willing to work with Russia to “further strengthen strategic communication between the two militaries”, according to a readout of the meeting published by China’s defense ministry.
In the meeting, also attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin welcomed military cooperation between Russia and China.
“We are also working actively through the military departments, regularly exchange useful information, cooperate in the field of military-technical cooperation, conduct joint exercises,” Putin said.
“This is, undoubtedly, another important area that strengthens the exclusively trusting, strategic nature of our relations,” he added.
Li’s trip to Russia -- which will last until April 19 -- comes weeks after an official visit to Moscow by Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.
During two days of talks, Putin and Xi hailed a “new era” in their relationship and discussed Beijing’s proposals to end the Ukraine conflict.
Moscow and Beijing have over the past years ramped up cooperation, both driven by a desire to counterbalance U.S. global dominance. Their partnership has only grown closer since Putin launched an offensive in Ukraine last February.
China has sought to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, but Washington has accused Beijing of mulling arms exports to Moscow -- claims China has denied.