Senior Chinese Military Official Hopes for Expanding Military Relations With Russia
BEIJING (Sputnik) - At a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in Beijing, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People's Republic of China Gen. Zhang Youxia expressed hope for expanding military relations with Russia, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"We hope that the parties will make joint efforts to implement the agreements reached by the heads of state, maintain close contacts at a high level, deepen and expand relations between the militaries of the two countries, protect the sovereignty, security and development interests of their countries and work together to maintain international and regional peace and stability," Zhang Youxia said, as quoted by the ministry.
The Russian and Chinese military departments are united in their assessments of global processes, they have a common understanding of what needs to be done in the current situation, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said.
"Yesterday, we held very meaningful talks with the Minister of Defense of the People's Republic of China, and we see that we have common views, a common assessment of the situation and a common understanding of what we need to do together," Belousov said.
He noted that thanks to the efforts of the leaders of the two countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia and China have built a strategic partnership.
"And our task is to strengthen and develop it," Belousov emphasized.
He expressed confidence that today "fruitful work and the adoption of significant, weighty decisions are ahead."
Belousov also noted that this year Russia and China were celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and next year — the 80th anniversary of the joint victory over German fascism.
