China-Russia Chiefs of Staff Hold Video Conference to Discuss Expansion of Military Cooperation

The top military commanders of China and Russia exchanged views via video conference on ways to further expand military cooperation between the two countries.

According to TASS and other sources, on the 9th (local time), Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, held a video discussion with Liu Zhenli, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission of China, regarding ways to deepen military cooperation between the two countries.

On this day, Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov told Liu, who became the youngest top military commander in March, "I am confident that your extensive experience will contribute to the development of the Chinese military and the expansion of military cooperation between our two countries." He added, "The current comprehensive partnership between our two countries has reached the highest level, and the coordinated efforts of the two nations on the international stage have a stabilizing effect on the global situation." He also said, "The practice of joint operations and combat training between our militaries should remain an important area going forward."

The Chinese government also reported the fact that the top military commanders of the two countries exchanged views via video conference. Additionally, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated that Russia will be invited to participate in military exercises hosted by China.