Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu speaks at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore © Thomson Reuters
* Beijing hopes for increased exchanges, joint exercises and other forms of co-operation, Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu told head of Russian navy
* The pair met in the Chinese capital for first official meeting between the two countries since the failed Wagner mutiny shook the Kremlin
China reaffirmed its military relations with Russia and called on the two countries to take their defence ties to 'a new level' during a meeting today.
Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu told the head of Russia's navy Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov that Beijing hopes for increased exchanges, joint exercises and other forms of co-operation, according to a release from his ministry.
The pair met in Beijing for the first formal military talks between the friendly neighbours since a short-lived mutiny by Russian mercenary group Wagner, which analysts say weakened Russian president Vladimir Putin's position.
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WNU Editor: The Chinese are doubling down on their relationship with Russia. This China - Russian military alliance is in marked contrast to current U.S. - China military relations .... China Tells Washington That They Must Lift Sanctions To Reopen High-Level Military Talks. U.S. Says No (July 1, 2023).
China's Defense Minister Says Beijing Is Aiming For 'A New Level' Of Military Ties With Russia
China's defense minister and Russia's navy chief meet for 1st military talks since Wagner revolt -- AP
China's defence minister meets Russian navy head in Beijing - defence ministry -- Reuters
Chinese defense minister meets with Russian navy chief -- DW
Where are all the pundits who advocated that China will take advantage of Russias predicament and take control of parts of eastern Russia that are ethnic Chinese? God you people couldn’t have been more wrong.
ReplyDeleteyou perhaps know such people but most of us do not.
ReplyDeleteOh they were here once upon a time
Deletehow long ago? In past 7 years?
Delete6:18, calling it now is premature. The issues between the two go back several hundred years with a nasty massacre in 1900 and several small skirmishes in '69. Not sure I can be considered a pundit, (requires expertise in a field and I do not claim such), I'm just an amateur opinionating for sport.
ReplyDeleteBut I feel the Chinese are cultural supremist and they face real challenges feeding themselves. They need arable land and other resources and to the north is the easiest place to get it. I should say convenient not easy. It serves the Chinese to team with the Russians at this time and other border enemies like India in order to break America and the West. (BRICS). But the Russians should not embrace this as a trusting brotherhood. I doubt that they are. As for timing, all of this is a long game when played by the chicoms. WE are a long way from the Chinese pulling a hidden knife from its sleeve.
Well said 👍
DeleteI agree with Ron.
ReplyDeleteAnd who do we have to Blame for pushing the Russians into the Chinese orbit?
Not to long ago we had Vlad Putin calling Georgie Bush saying....
"We are with you."
The Russians then opened their air space and worked with us to get US bases in the Stans.
Those days are now gone and we have the blob and neocons to blame.
All the more reason to cultivate good relations. I'm sure both parties are well aware of all the issues. They may reason that this is well off in the future.
ReplyDeleteImo both Ron and OP are right.
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed exactly what should have been avoided by not meddling in Ukraine at all.
Certainly the US and Europe would be better off!