MOSCOW/BEIJING – Russia and China held significant defence and military discussions to further cement their growing partnership, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said on Tuesday, as the two nations continue to unite against U.S. influence in Asia. The “substantive” talks focused on deepening military cooperation and strategic partnerships between Moscow and Beijing.
Belousov met with Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, where both sides expressed shared views on global security challenges and a common approach to the current geopolitical climate. The Russian defence minister emphasized that the two countries are aligned in their assessments of international developments and have a unified understanding of how to navigate the present situation.
“The military departments of Russia and China are united in their assessments of global processes, and they have a common understanding of what needs to be done,” Belousov said via a post on Russia’s Defence Ministry Telegram channel.
China’s Defence Ministry also issued a statement following the meeting, highlighting that both nations aim to expand and strengthen military relations, maintaining high-level exchanges to solidify their partnership.
The meeting comes as China escalates its military posture over Taiwan, conducting war games in response to what it called “separatist acts” on the island, drawing sharp condemnation from Taiwan and the United States. The exercises signal China’s readiness to take further action if necessary, reflecting heightened tensions in the region.
Russia and China declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022, weeks before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant pivot in their geopolitical relationship. Since then, both countries have increased their criticism of U.S. efforts to extend influence in Asia and elsewhere, casting the U.S. as a Cold War hegemon responsible for global instability.
In May 2023, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping pledged a “new era” of cooperation, focusing on enhancing their strategic partnership and countering U.S. influence. Belousov reiterated confidence in further “fruitful work” and significant decisions to strengthen their collaboration.
Russia also reaffirmed its support for China on key Asian issues, including opposition to U.S. involvement in Taiwan. The U.S. has accused China of aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine by supplying dual-use goods such as microelectronics, which can be used to build weapons. China, however, denies providing any military aid to either side in the conflict, insisting that its trade with Russia should not face restrictions.
The deepening ties between Russia and China, especially in the defence sector, underscore the shifting dynamics of global alliances as both nations push back against U.S. influence and seek to assert their geopolitical interests.