China, Russia seek closer military cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin met a top Chinese military official Thursday on improving military cooperation between the two countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese military official, in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 7, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Military cooperation plays an important role in Russia-China relations and the two countries should continue to strengthen their partnership in joint military drills, army games and personnel training, Putin said.

Chinese and Russian officers and soldiers communicated with each other during the second stage of their "Joint Sea-2017" military exercises in September of 2017 [File Photo: vcg]

He made the remarks at a meeting with Zhang Youxia, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission.

Putin said Russia prioritizes relations with China in its foreign policy and praised the high-level strategic coordination between the two countries.

He said Russia and China should further improve communication and coordination to maintain regional and global peace and stability as they hold the same or similar positions in many issues.

Zhang said the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is ascending to higher levels thanks to efforts made by the two presidents.

Ties between the two militaries have been expanding and deepening with effective practical cooperation, said Zhang.

He said that China is ready to work with Russia to implement the consensuses between the two presidents, support each other, and jointly safeguard security interests of both countries and help maintain world peace and stability.