China’s military is ready to work with the Russian military to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Tan Kefei said on March 30, 2023, Reuters reported.
Patrols and exercises
Tan said China’s armed forces would expand cooperation with their Russian counterparts and work together to implement global security initiatives, building military trust, according to Kyiv Post. The two countries plan to hold joint sea and air patrols and joint military exercises.
After Xi’s visit
The statement came a week after Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s state visit to Moscow, where he and Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement on deepening their “comprehensive strategic partnership” on March 21. Beijing has presented itself as neutral in the war in Ukraine, but has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion.
The United States has warned China against supplying Russia with weapons, and Western officials have said Beijing is considering providing lethal aid, which China denies.
Growing ties
China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership weeks before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Their militaries have since held several joint exercises and patrols, including joint bomber flights near Japan. China has also announced a 7.2% increase in its defence budget for 2023.
Sources
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