Putin meets Chinese defence minister, both sides hail military cooperation

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu in Moscow and praised their “no limits” military cooperation.

Xi Jinping met Putin in Moscow last month.

Since February 2022, Russia and China have strengthened economic, political, and military ties.

Putin shook hands with Li and sat down. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu attended.

“We are actively working through our military departments, regularly exchange useful information, work together in the field of military-technical cooperation, and hold joint exercises,” Putin added.

He stated that land, naval, and aviation units participated in the Far East and Europe drills.

“Undoubtedly, this is another crucial area that strengthens the extremely trusting, strategic nature of our relations,” Putin added.

A senior Kyiv official stated Friday that Ukrainian soldiers are uncovering more Chinese components in Russian weapons. China denies giving Russia military weaponry.

NATO and the US claim there is no evidence that Beijing is arming Moscow.

Since his appointment last month, Li made his first international visit.

He told Putin that “in recent times cooperation between Russia and China in the military and military-technical spheres has been developing very well,” boosting regional security. The Kremlin translated Li.

Last week, Beijing publicized Li’s visit to Moscow to see defense officials but not Putin.

Since 2018, Li has been under U.S. sanctions for buying military aircraft and equipment from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s major arms exporter.