MOSCOW: China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu has made a visit to Moscow, stating that the purpose of his trip was to demonstrate China’s “determination” to strengthen strategic ties with Russia.
This visit comes just a month after a summit in Moscow between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, showcasing the united front against the West.
During a crucial meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, Li expressed the desire to demonstrate China’s “firm determination to further strengthen the strategic cooperation between the armed troops of Russia and China,” according to a statement from the defence ministry in Moscow.
The two countries have vowed to take military cooperation and trade “to the next level.”
Shoigu called for the further development of the China-Russia relationship to “strongly support each other, including on national security issues”. Russia’s defence minister also emphasized the importance of both countries seeing eye-to-eye on the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape.
Significance of the visit
This visit is particularly significant as it is Li’s first overseas trip since taking over as China’s defence minister.
It also comes amid growing concerns in the West that China may send weapons to bolster Russia’s offensive in Ukraine.
Despite these concerns, China has sought to position itself as a neutral party in the conflict while maintaining close ties with Russia.
Li was expected to stay in Moscow until Wednesday, indicating the importance of this visit in solidifying the relationship between China and Russia.
The visit underscores China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Russia, especially in the face of growing tensions with the West.
