Russia’s Defense Chief Celebrates Shared Views with China in Beijing
The Russian defense minister held meetings with a top Chinese general and officials in Beijing, ahead of an anticipated visit by China’s leader Xi Jinping to Russia.
Publicly bolstering their alliance, China and Russia reaffirmed their partnership as their top defense officials convened in Beijing, rejecting U.S. pressure before an upcoming meeting between the two countries’ leaders in Russia next week.
On Oct. 15, Russian defense minister Andrei Belousov met with Zhang Youxia, the vice chairman of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Central Military Commission, which is chaired by Party general secretary Xi Jinping.
Belousov expressed that Russia and China have a mutual understanding of the current situation and emphasized the need for collaborative measures. Discussions with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun were described as productive.
Zhang, in turn, emphasized the strong state of the Sino-Russia relationship and called for deeper military ties to safeguard national interests.
Both countries declared a partnership with “no limits” in February 2022, shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, China has refrained from denouncing Moscow’s actions and has increased trade with Russia.
Belousov’s visit coincided with China’s military exercises near Taiwan and a joint drill with Russia in the Pacific Ocean. Moreover, Xi’s attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, next week was confirmed.
Russian Premier Mikhail Mishustin welcomed Xi’s upcoming visit to the BRICS summit. Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed the strong bond between the two nations.
Despite U.S. sanctions, the Chinese regime has indicated continued support for Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concerns over Beijing’s assistance to Russia’s industrial base.
