China ready to strengthen military-to-military relations with Russia

Jiang Bin, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense.
Photo: mod.gov.cn

The Chinese military stands ready to work with the Russian side to further deepen strategic mutual trust, step up strategic communication, and expand practical cooperation, in order to strengthen the sound momentum of military-to-military relations, a Chinese defense spokesperson said Thursday.

Jiang Bin, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the future of China-Russia military-to-military relations.

Question: Recently, President Xi Jingping paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, during which a contingent of the PLA Guard of Honor participated in the military parade. How will the Chinese side promote military-to-military relations with Russia?

Jiang Bin: This year marks the 80th year of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War. On this special historical occasion, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia upon invitation, and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union. President Xi Jinping held talks with President Putin, and had in-depth exchange of views on China-Russia relations and major international and regional issues. They agreed to unswervingly deepen strategic coordination, and promote the stable, sound and high-level development of China-Russia relationship. During the visit, a contingent of the PLA Guard of Honor participated in the Red Square Military Parade, which was widely publicized and warmly welcomed.

In recent years, China-Russia military-to-military relationship has been operating at a high level. We’ve had frequent high-level exchanges, conducted joint strategic air patrols and joint maritime exercises, and rendered support to each other in holding important commemorative celebrations. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the Chinese military stands ready to work with the Russian side to further deepen strategic mutual trust, step up strategic communication, and expand practical cooperation, so as to strengthen the sound momentum of military-to-military relations, enrich the content of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, and contribute to maintaining and strengthening global strategic stability.

Putin and Xi on the stand at the Victory Parade on May 9, 2025, with a war veteran.
Photo: Sputnik

China said Thursday it was ready to "expand practical cooperation" with the Russian army, after President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Moscow for a lavish World War II Victory Day parade, Indian ‘The Economic Times’ stresses.

On Thursday, in response to a question linked to Xi's visit asking how China would promote military-to-military ties with Russia, the defence ministry said the relationship was "operating at a high level".

The two countries have drawn closer in recent years.

Xi's trip to Russia last week drew ire from Kyiv's allies, who have accused Beijing of giving Moscow economic and political cover to wage a war of aggression.

Beijing says it is a neutral party to the conflict and has made indefatigable efforts for peace.

After a lengthy meeting with President Vladimir Putin on his trip, Xi said China's ties with Russia brought "positive energy" to a turbulent world.

He added that both nations stood firm against "hegemonic bullying" -- an apparent swipe at the United States.

Putin, for his part, told reporters he and Xi had held "traditionally warm, friendly" talks and addressed the Chinese leader as his "dear friend".

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