Russian Defense Minister: Russia-China Military Cooperation is Urgent

(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 25) Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov recently stated that in the context of a constantly changing military-political situation, Russia-China bilateral military cooperation is particularly urgent.

Russia's Sputnik News Chinese website reported the above on April 24, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense. Belousov pointed out during his meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, who is on an official visit to Russia, that the close personal contact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping has played a decisive role in bilateral cooperation.

According to the report, Belousov stated, "This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Russia-China strategic cooperative partnership and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the 'Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia.' In the context of a constantly changing military-political situation, bilateral military cooperation is particularly urgent."

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that "the Chinese Defense Minister emphasized that this year is an important year for the development of relations between the two countries, especially in the field of defense cooperation. Therefore, both sides plan to hold a number of important high-level events during this period."

China's Ministry of National Defense recently announced via its WeChat public account, "National Defense Release," that Dong Jun was invited to visit Russia and Kyrgyzstan from April 23 to 28 and attend the meeting of defense ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. (Edited by Chou Hui-ying/Chen Kai-yu) 1150425