Russia-China relations more than strategic partnership – Shoigu

Relations between Russia and China have exceeded the level of strategic partnership in light of the actions of Washington, which declared Moscow and Beijing to be its strategic adversaries, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Shoigu expressed this thought on Tuesday.

The United States has declared Russia and China its strategic adversaries, the minister said, adding that real steps by the Pentagon indicate the desire to secure an advantage in the military confrontation.

“In these conditions, bilateral relations between Russia and China have surpassed the level of strategic ties in all respects, becoming more than allied,” Shoigu said at the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security.

The experience of Russian-US cooperation shows that military contacts have practical meaning only when there is a political will to cooperate, the minister added.

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu said at the conference that military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing was not aimed at any third country.

“To achieve a more inclusive world, we need solidarity and mutual support to boycott sanctions and pressure from those who are not afraid of any means (to exert pressure on others),” Li added.

The 11th Moscow Conference on International Security is taking place at the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center in the Moscow Region’s town of Kubinka.

The defense ministers from Russia, China, and Belarus are participating in the conference along with other senior officials.