China and Russia Expand High-Level Dialogue and Military Cooperation
Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently spoke by phone with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, a call confirmed by CCTV, the state broadcaster in China. The official channel noted the conversation while withholding further details about the topics or outcomes discussed during the exchange.
In public remarks following the call, a former spokesman for the Chinese Defense Ministry, Tan Kefei, signaled that the Chinese military stands ready to deepen coordination with Russia. The statement highlighted a mutual commitment to strengthen strategic communication and align defense and security efforts between the two nations.
Officials emphasized that the partnership between Russia and China has grown stronger with each passing day. The dialogue underscored a shared interest in reinforcing bilateral ties across multiple domains, including diplomacy, defense, and regional stability. The tone suggested a push for closer collaboration to address common concerns and to project a unified stance on international issues where both powers have aligned or overlapping interests.
As part of ongoing plans, the Chinese military aims to work more closely with the Russian Armed Forces. The strategy calls for step-by-step coordination on key defense priorities, alongside regular joint exercises and maritime patrols. These activities are intended to translate the leaders of both countries into concrete actions on sea lanes and in airspace, reinforcing the practical implementation of agreed understandings reached at the highest levels of government.
The broader context for these developments includes the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia, which occurred from March 20 to 22 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. During that visit, discussions covered areas of mutual concern and laid groundwork for continued collaboration across security, defense, and regional development—an agenda that now appears to be carried forward through subsequent communications and military planning.