Moscow, 17 April 2023 (GNP): Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, and Li Shangfu, the Defense Minister of China, met on Sunday in Moscow and praised their solid military collaboration. The two nations have vowed to have “no limits” in their partnership.
The meeting took place within less than a month following Xi Jinping’s three-day state visit to Moscow.
General Li, a veteran of China’s military modernization drive, was sanctioned by the US in 2018 for dealings with Rosoboronexport, the country’s state-controlled arms exporter when he was in charge of the Chinese military’s Equipment Development Department.
According to the US State Department, these deals included Russia supplying China Su-35 combat aircraft in 2017 and S-400 surface-to-air missile system-related equipment in 2018.
Li’s visit to Moscow was previously confirmed by Beijing, which stated that he would meet with defense officials but made no mention of a meeting with Putin.
In his opening remarks, Putin stated that “We are working actively through our military departments, regularly exchange useful information, work together in the field of military-technical cooperation, and hold joint exercises”.
He continued to say that the drills, which included ground, naval, and aviation troops, were taking place both in Europe and the Far East.
“Undoubtedly, this is another crucial area that strengthens the extremely trusting, strategic nature of our relations”, he added.
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Since Moscow dispatched tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, China and Russia, who both announced a “no-limits” friendship, have taken steps to further bolster their economic, political, and military relations.
The United States and NATO are at fault for inciting Moscow, according to China, which has refrained from criticizing Russia’s military activities in Ukraine.
In the Ukraine war, it has also attempted to present itself as a neutral party, although Washington has accused Beijing of planning weaponry transfers to Moscow, which Beijing has rejected.
Li’s visit to Russia, which spans by April 19, is his first overseas visit since being appointed last month.
He remarked that “We have very strong ties. They surpass the military-political alliances of the Cold War era … They are very stable”.
“This is my first overseas visit since taking over as China’s defense minister. I specifically chose Russia for this in order to emphasize the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral ties”, he added.
According to a summary of the meeting released by the Chinese defense ministry, Li further indicated that China was eager to cooperate with Russia to “further strengthen strategic communication between the two militaries”.
