China, Russia to strengthen military cooperation

China and Russia will continue to strengthen and develop their military, political and strategic relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a meeting with Russian Defence Ministry Sergei Shoigu on Saturday, March 23. “My visit to the Russian Defence Ministry is intended to indicate that military, political and strategic relations between the two countries will strengthen as will cooperation between the Armed Forces of Russia and China,” Xi said. He stressed that Russia is the first country he visits as the new president of China during his foreign tour. “Relations between our countries have a special nature. Big results have been achieved during the visit to your country. I think our negotiations will give an additional impetus to cooperation between our Armed Forces,” he said. Shoigu noted that “the range of issues discussed will help develop both military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries.” Shoigu is scheduled to have talks with his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan on Sunday, March 24.