China ready to strengthen military-to-military relations with Russia: spokesperson

BEIJING -- The Chinese military stands ready to work with the Russian side to further deepen strategic mutual trust, step up strategic communication, and expand practical cooperation, in order to strengthen the sound momentum of military-to-military relations, a Chinese defense spokesperson said Thursday.

Jiang Bin, the new spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the future of China-Russia military-to-military relations.

Jiang said that in recent years, the China-Russia military ties have been operating at a high level, characterized by frequent high-level exchanges, joint strategic air patrols and maritime exercises, and support to each other in holding important commemorative celebrations.

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the Chinese military is willing to work with the Russian side to enrich content of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, and contribute to maintaining and strengthening global strategic stability, Jiang said.