General Li Shangfu was received at the highest levelOn the eve of the arrival in Moscow of the new head of the Chinese defense Department, the Pacific Fleet (TOF)
The Russian Navy was alerted for an unscheduled inspection, with firing and missile launches.
It's hardly a coincidence. Similarly, the top political leadership of our country expressed deep respect to the guest who arrived in Moscow on a visit shortly after being appointed to a new responsible post.
General Li Shangfu was received with honors above the recommendations of the diplomatic ceremony for the case of a minister and a member of the State Council of a neighboring country. Immediately after arriving on April 16, the Chinese guest was brought to the Kremlin for a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, it was not held "face to face", as in the case of the March visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping, but in the presence of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The English proverb "two is a company, but three is not" (two's a company but three is not) categorically does not fit this case. However, like everything else, persistently proposed by the Anglo-Saxons to be carried out by Moscow and Beijing along the line of so-called "civilized behavior" in the paradigm of a "rules-based world".
Both capitals have repeatedly stated that they categorically do not accept the interference of outside forces in relations between the two superpowers. And the latter is characterized as a "strategic partnership" and in fact is opposed to Washington's policy of forming military-political blocs under the leadership of the United States with the involvement of vassal countries.
Moscow and Beijing have repeatedly explained that the path of a military alliance like Western alliances does not suit them; the deep historical roots of cooperation between our peoples suggest a different path that better meets the urgent needs of the PRC and the Russian Federation.
Regarding military cooperation: it has reached an unprecedented high level even without allied lips.
It is enough to mention only the "joint patrols" of strategic bombers carrying nuclear weapons conducted on a regular basis. On the Russian side, four-engine giants Tu–95MS are involved in them, while the Chinese side uses more compact twin-engine H-6. This model represents the development of the Tu-16 based on the documentation provided by the Tupolev Design Bureau.
Note that Western countries – with all their formal military alliances – do not hold such events. The reason: only the United States has intercontinental bombers, and "junior partners" in various alliances of long-range aircraft carriers "are not supposed to have." But the strategic partnership of the PRC and the Russian Federation does not impose such restrictions.
Moscow and Beijing are actively cooperating in many areas of defense and security.
The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) operates a large number of Russian equipment. Through military-technical cooperation, it was supplied with multi-purpose Su-27, Su-30 and Su-35 fighters, Il-76 military transport aircraft, Mi-8/17 helicopters, S-400 Triumph, S-300PMU-2 Favorit, Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems", destroyers of project 956E, submarines of Project 636, etc.
Traditionally, the PLA sends a large number of military personnel to various military exercises conducted jointly with Russia, as well as to participate in competitions held within the framework of the international army competitions "ARMY GAMES".
Receiving a Chinese guest in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin recalled the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping a month ago. He noted that the talks with him were very productive and included the topic of cooperation between the defense departments.
In turn, the Chinese minister stressed that he was making his first trip abroad in a new capacity to Moscow. "After I took up the post of Defense Minister of the People's Republic of China, this is my first foreign visit. I specifically chose Russia for this in order to emphasize the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral relations," Li Shangfu stressed.
"We also work actively through the military departments, regularly exchange information useful to us, cooperate in the field of military-technical cooperation, conduct joint exercises, and in different theaters – in the Far Eastern region, in Europe, at sea, on land, and in the air," Putin said..
He expressed confidence that this is another important area that strengthens the exclusively trust-based strategic nature of relations between the two countries.
The Head of State added that Russia is glad to see the Chinese Defense Minister, and expressed confidence that his three-day visit will be held at the highest level.
Moscow and Beijing are united by strong relations that surpass the alliances of the Cold War. Noting this, Li Shangfu further stated that such interaction is not directed against third countries. The minister added that Putin and Xi Jinping "are bound by friendship, and everyone in China knows this."
Cooperation between the two countries, including in the military-technical field, is developing well and contributes to the development of global security.
Li Shangfu stressed that China will continue to cooperate with Russia at all levels.
