Russia, China have 'common views,' says Russian defense chief

WASHINGTON

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said that Moscow and China have views in common, Russia's official news agency Tass reported on Tuesday.

"Yesterday, we held very meaningful talks with the minister of defense of the People's Republic of China, and we see that we have common views, a common assessment of the situation, and a common understanding of what we need to do together," Belousov was quoted as saying by Tass.

Belousov arrived in Beijing on Monday for an official visit to discuss bilateral military cooperation.

Thanks to the efforts of the leaders of the two countries, Russia and China have built a strategic partnership, he said.

"And our task is to strengthen and develop it," he added.

On Monday, Belousov was welcomed with an official ceremony by his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun. After the ceremony, Belousov paid tribute by laying a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

The visit underscores the strengthened partnership between China and Russia as both nations push back against US-led sanctions and geopolitical maneuvers, with Russia facing sanctions and diplomatic isolation over its war on Ukraine, which it launched in February 2022.