(Moscow) Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu hailed “strong” ties with Moscow on Sunday during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.
“We have very strong ties, which go beyond the military-political alliances of the Cold War era” and are “very stable”, he said during this meeting broadcast on Russian television, according to their translation .
He added that relations between Russia and China had “already entered a new era”.
“This is my first visit abroad since taking office as Minister of Defence. I chose Russia specifically, in order to emphasize the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral relations,” Li added.
During this meeting, which was also attended by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Mr. Putin praised the military cooperation between the two countries.
“We actively work through military departments, regularly exchange useful information, cooperate in the field of military-technical cooperation and conduct joint exercises,” Putin said.
“This is definitely another important area that strengthens the nature […] of our relationship,” he added.
This visit by Mr. Li to Russia, which is scheduled to last until April 19, comes after that of Chinese President Xi Jinping in March in Moscow. During this summit, MM. Putin and Xi had displayed their good understanding, posing as strategic allies determined to resist American hegemonism.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Beijing has declared itself officially neutral, without ever condemning the Russian invasion. Mr. Xi has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.