BEIJING: China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun told his Russian counterpart that the two countries should “strengthen strategic coordination” during a video call on Tuesday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
“China is willing to work with Russia to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic coordination, enrich the substance of cooperation, and improve exchange mechanisms”, Dong told his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov, according to CCTV.
Dong also said the two countries should “jointly enhance the ability to respond to various risks and challenges and join hands to inject positive energy into global security and stability”.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, Dong said.
For his part, Belousov said that Russia is ready to strengthen strategic consultations between the two militaries, deepen practical cooperation in fields such as joint operations and personnel training, and move the bilateral strategic coordination to a higher level, Xinhua News Agency reported.
According to the Chinese defence ministry, Belousov confirmed Russia’s readiness to strengthen contacts with Beijing’s armed forces, advance practical cooperation, hold joint activities and collaborate in areas such as personnel training, thus taking bilateral strategic cooperation to the next level.
In 2019, both countries elevated their bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” creating regular high‑level military consultations and expanding joint land, air and naval exercises as part of strategic coordination.
