Putin Meets New Chinese Defense Minister

April 17, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)—Russian President Vladimir Putin met with China’s new Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, in Moscow yesterday. “You have arrived in Russia following the visit to our country by our great friend, my friend President of the People’s Republic of China, Comrade Xi Jinping. I would like to emphasize once again that this was a very productive visit. Of course, we discussed military-to-military cooperation, among other topics.

“Our two countries have maintained positive momentum in expanding our economic, social, cultural and educational ties. We have also been proactive in our military-to-military relations by regularly sharing actionable insights and cooperating on defense matters. We also hold joint military exercises in various theaters of operation, including in the Far East, Europe, at sea, on land, as well as in the air. I do believe that this constitutes a major track for strengthening the trust-based strategic relationship between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.”

Li said, who will be in Russia over April 16-18, said: “There are plans to implement your agreements with President of China Xi Jinping, reached during his March visit to Moscow. This is my first foreign visit after I became Defense Minister of China. I specially chose Russia, so as to emphasize the special nature and strategic significance of our bilateral relations.”

Li continued: “We have a very strong relationship that goes beyond the Cold War-era military and political alliances. This relationship hinges on the principles of non-alignment and non-confrontation with third parties, and these principles are very stable. Under your strategic leadership and that of the President of China, we are actively developing cooperation in practical spheres. Our relations have already entered a new era.”