China and Russia held high-level meetings at the defense and foreign ministry levels to discuss expanding cooperation in missile defense and joint military training.
On November 20 (local time), the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that representatives responsible for strategic stability and arms control from both countries' foreign ministries held consultations on missile defense and the missile aspects of strategic stability, conducting an in-depth review.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that the discussions included a joint analysis of destabilizing factors that pose strategic risks to global and regional security, as well as an exchange of views on ways to minimize these risks.
Both sides expressed mutual satisfaction with the current level of dialogue and cooperation in these areas and reaffirmed their commitment to continuously strengthening them.
The defense ministries of both countries announced that Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and the second-highest-ranking officer in the Chinese military, held talks with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov in Russia on the same day.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated via its official WeChat social media account that Vice Chairman Zhang visited Russia at the invitation of Minister Belousov and held in-depth discussions on bilateral relations between the two countries and their militaries, the international and regional situation, and issues of mutual interest. They reportedly reached a consensus on strengthening high-level exchanges and deepening practical cooperation.
In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense said, "Minister Belousov stated that as the two defense ministries begin to implement agreements reached at the highest level, joint operational and combat training activities on land, at sea, and in the air have been significantly expanded."
The ministry further reported that Minister Belousov emphasized, "Their objective is to ensure the security of both countries," adding, "I would like to stress that this is not aimed at any third country." He also stated, "Military cooperation between Russia and China is built on mutual trust and a clear understanding of both countries' interests," and expressed hope that "today we will demonstrate new horizons of cooperation in the defense industry."
Recently, China and Russia have been further strengthening their discussions on military cooperation as U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a willingness to resume nuclear testing and is pushing forward with plans to establish the next-generation missile defense system, the 'Golden Dome,' with both countries in mind.
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