UPDATE - China, Russia agree to promote military ties to 'higher level'

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINSTRY

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China and Russia on Wednesday agreed to promote their military ties to a "higher level."

Almost a month after he was appointed China’s new defense minister, Dong Jun Wednesday held his first public video call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu and the two sides agreed to "continuously expand practical cooperation and promote the military ties to a higher level," China's Defense Ministry said.

"The Chinese and Russian militaries must implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, resolutely respond to global challenges, continuously enhance strategic mutual trust, and contribute to deepening China-Russia relations," Dong told Shoygu.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, the two sides noted.

A later statement by the Russian Defense Ministry quoted Shoygu as saying that the coordination between Moscow and Beijing has a "stabilizing effect on the international situation and helps reduce the potential for conflict."

Expressing that Russia and China's actions are not directed against third countries, Shoygu said they are not creating a military bloc "unlike some Western countries."

According to the statement, Shoygu congratulated his Chinese counterpart on his appointment, saying that he looked forward to the "closest and most fruitful cooperation" with him.

It also quoted Dong as saying that their current meeting shows the "deep friendship between the armies of China and Russia, the common aspirations to deepen strategic cooperation and maintain world peace, and it has special significance."

“We provided you with support regarding the Ukrainian issue, despite the fact that the US and Europe continue to put pressure on the Chinese side. Even defense cooperation between China and the EU is under attack, but we will not change or abandon established policies because of this. And they should not and will not be able to interfere with Russian-Chinese cooperation," he added.

It is Dong’s first public communication with any foreign official since he was picked by President Xi Jinping as China’s new defense minister last month.

A former navy commander, Dong succeeded Gen. Li Shangfu who was unceremoniously removed last October.

There is no news about what happened to Li but a case of corruption has not been ruled out.

*Burc Eruygur contributed to this story from Istanbul