The military partnership between Moscow and Beijing is not aimed against other countries, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stressed during talks with Chinese General Zhang Youxia.
“Russian-Chinese military relations are steadily developing in all directions. We regularly conduct joint operational and combat training activities on land, in the air and at sea, and we successfully complete combat training missions of varying complexity side by side. And all these actions are not directed against third countries, we do it solely in our own mutual interests,” the Russian defense chief emphasized.
Shoigu recalled that he met Zhang Youxia in Beijing last week during the 10th Xiangshan Security Forum, which was held under the "Common Security, Lasting Peace" motto. Russia's defense chief stressed that such dynamics show a high level of cooperation between the two countries.
Shoigu highlighted that the foundation of Russia-Chinese cooperation lies in the mutual trust and friendship shared between Vladimir Putin and Chairman Xi.
“This year, the heads of states conducted two personal meetings – in Moscow and Beijing. We seek to implement all agreements that were reached at the highest level," Shoigu added.
Shoigu pointed out that the ties between Russia and China are a model of strategic interaction based on trust and respect, adding that “unlike some aggressive Western countries” Moscow and Beijing have not established a military bloc.