China wants to strengthen naval cooperation with Russia

China's defense minister expressed hope to expand naval cooperation with Russia, calling for active contributions to maintaining peace and stability.

During a meeting with Russian Navy Commander Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov in Beijing on July 3, Chinese Defense Minister Senior General Li Shangfu expressed hope that the two sides could "increase communication at all levels."

"We hope that the two sides will strengthen cooperation at all levels, regularly organize joint exercises, patrols and competitions, and expand practical cooperation in specialized fields to actively contribute to protecting peace and stability in the region and the world ," General Ly said.

Admiral Yevmenov affirmed that Russia is ready to continue expanding naval exchanges with China at all levels and jointly hold important training events, including joint exercises and patrols. Admiral Yevmenov also called for "continuously promoting relations between the two countries' militaries to a new level."

China's destroyer Kunming and Russia's destroyer Admiral Tributs move in the western Pacific Ocean in October 2021. Photo: PLA — China's destroyer Kunming and Russia's destroyer Admiral Tributs move in the western Pacific Ocean in October 2021. Photo: *PLA*

This is the highest-level meeting between Chinese and Russian defense officials since the Wagner rebellion on June 24. After the rebellion, China on June 25 announced that it "supports Russia in safeguarding national stability and achieving development and prosperity."

Russia and China have strengthened their cooperation and diplomatic ties in recent years. Their strategic partnership has become even closer since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. China, which claims to be neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has recently stepped up diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The Russian and Chinese militaries regularly hold joint exercises. On June 7, Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Chinese H-6s patrolled the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean for eight hours. Russian Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters and Chinese J-11B fighters escorted the bombers.

The Russian Defense Ministry affirmed that the bombers and fighters of the two countries "strictly complied with international regulations and did not violate foreign airspace" during the patrol. This activity is within the framework of the Military Cooperation Plan 2023 of Russia and China, not aimed at a third party.

Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, AFP )

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