Chinese Defense Minister holds video call with Russian counterpart

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held a video call with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of National Defense said on Tuesday evening.

Dong said this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries, according to the ministry’s news release.

China is ready to work with Russia to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic coordination, enrich bilateral cooperation, and improve communication mechanisms, the defense chief said.

The Chinese side also stands ready to join the Russian side in enhancing the ability to address various risks and challenges, injecting positive energy into global security and stability, he noted.

Russian Defense Minister Belousov said his country is willing to work with China to strengthen strategic consultations between the two militaries, deepen practical cooperation in areas including joint actions and personnel training, and lift bilateral strategic coordination to a higher level.