China has announced it wants closer ties with Russia’s military, a sign that Moscow still has Beijing’s support after the failed Wagner Group uprising.
During a meeting with Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Evmenov on Monday, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu said, “Through joint efforts by both sides, the ties between the two militaries will continue to deepen and strengthen. To make new progress and reach a new level”.
Li said the two navies hope to strengthen communications, hold regular joint exercises and “expand practical cooperation,” according to a statement from the Beijing Defense Ministry. Bloomberg.
The comments add to signs that Beijing is strengthening ties with Moscow following last month’s uprising by Wagner mercenaries, the biggest threat to Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Shortly after China’s Foreign Ministry said it supports Russia’s measures to maintain national stability, Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.
China has maintained ties with Putin since he ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine early last year and has refused to join US-led sanctions over the war.
Beijing and Moscow share a common interest in challenging US hegemony in the world order, while facing increasingly strained relations with wealthy democracies.
Li was sanctioned by Washington in 2018 over Russian arms purchases, and China has refused to hold high-level military dialogue with the United States until those restrictions are lifted.
Source: Bloomberg
Tags: Russia, China, Military
Release Date: 03-07-2023 21:48
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