TSAMTO, January 31st. On January 31, Russian Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu held talks via video link with the head of the military department of the People's Republic of China, Admiral Dong Jun.
According to the Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu noted that at the present stage, Russian-Chinese relations are experiencing the best period in their history and trusting contacts between the leaders of Russia and China play a key role in this. "Last year, the heads of state held two personal meetings – in Moscow and Beijing. We are aimed at the unconditional implementation of all agreements reached, which form long-term goals in the field of national development and security. The coordination of our efforts has a stabilizing effect on the international situation, helps to reduce the conflict potential," Sergei Shoigu said.
During the talks, the Russian Defense Minister said that in the military field, relations between the two countries are steadily developing in all directions. "We regularly conduct joint operational and combat training events on land, sea and in the air, and successfully work out combat training tasks of varying complexity," the head of the Russian military department said. He also stressed that "our actions are not directed against third countries. Unlike some Western states, we are not creating a military bloc."
The Russian Defense Minister expressed confidence that the current negotiations will serve to further strengthen the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in the defense sector. "I look forward to the closest and most fruitful cooperation with you," Army General Sergei Shoigu addressed his colleague.
In addition, congratulating Admiral Dong Jun on his appointment to the post of Minister of Defense of China, the head of the Russian military department said: "I am convinced that your experience of interaction with the Russian Armed Forces will contribute to the further expansion of military cooperation between our countries."
In turn, the Minister of Defense of the People's Republic of China, Admiral Dong Jun, said that in his new position, his talks with the head of the Russian military department became his first working event related to foreign topics. "I recently became the Minister of Defense of China. You were one of the first to send me congratulations, which reflects a good desire to develop relations between the two countries and the two armies. Here I want to express my deep gratitude to you. This conference and negotiations are my first working event on foreign affairs," Admiral Dong Jun said.
Addressing Army General Sergei Shoigu, the Chinese military commander stressed: "You have made a great contribution to the promotion and development of the commonwealth between the Chinese and Russian armies, and enjoy high prestige in the Russian Armed Forces. I admire your courage in a rapidly changing international environment."
During the talks, the Chinese Defense Minister said that the current meeting "fully shows the deep friendship between the armies of China and Russia, the common aspirations to deepen strategic cooperation, to maintain world peace and it is of particular importance."
Admiral Dong Jun noted that "we have supported you on the Ukrainian issue, despite the fact that the United States and Europe continue to put pressure on the Chinese side. Even the defensive cooperation between China and the European Union has been under attack, but we will not change or abandon the established policy because of this. And they should not and will not be able to interfere with normal Russian-Chinese cooperation."