After a recent working session with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Li Shangfu, the head of China’s Ministry of Defense, commented on the state of Sino-Russian cooperation. He asserted that the ties between the two nations stand stronger than many traditional military-political alliances seen during the Cold War era. This perspective was shared during a televised briefing on the Russia 24 channel, underscoring a messaging emphasis on durable alignment between Beijing and Moscow.
The official statement attributed to Li Shangfu highlighted a bond described as exceptionally robust. He described the relationship as exceeding the classic Cold War-era blocs in terms of cohesion and resilience, stressing that it rests on non-alignment principles and remains remarkably stable despite evolving global pressures. The assertion points to a strategic partnership framed by mutual interests, careful calculation, and a shared outlook on regional and global security challenges, rather than one shaped by competing blocs or grandiose power maneuvers.
Earlier, a Kremlin spokesperson indicated that Putin had a working meeting with Li Shangfu, who serves on the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and leads its defense apparatus. The brief note from the authorities signals ongoing high-level diplomacy between the two countries and a continuity of dialogue at senior levels, focusing on defense and strategic cooperation. The exchange is presented as part of a broader pattern of routine engagement between Beijing and Moscow and reflects maintained channels for coordination on security matters relevant to both nations.
Additionally, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing’s confidence in the trajectory of Russia-China relations. The spokesperson recalled Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia earlier in the year, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship has earned a stable, forward-looking consensus. The public remarks align with a narrative of steady partnership and shared goals, suggesting that both sides view the alliance as a core pillar of their foreign policy strategy. The summary of these comments points to a bilateral framework where cooperation extends beyond military exchanges to encompass economic, technological, and diplomatic dimensions that serve national interests on both sides of the border.