China and Russia are poised to intensify their military cooperation in the coming days, according to statements made on Thursday, May 15, by senior Chinese officials.
The announcement comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia to attend ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Nazi Germany. Following the trip, Chinese military representatives expressed their readiness to expand defense collaboration with Moscow.
According to Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese military command, bilateral ties between the two nations have “progressed and are now at a high level.”
“The Chinese army is ready to work with the Russian side to deepen mutual strategic trust, enhance strategic communication, and strengthen cooperation,” Jiang said during a press briefing.
He emphasized that the growing partnership would “enrich the China-Russia strategic relationship in the new era”, and contribute to maintaining the balance of the global order.
The deepening of military ties between Beijing and Moscow comes at a time of heightened global tensions, particularly in the context of ongoing Western sanctions on Russia and China’s growing assertiveness on the international stage. The two powers have held joint drills in recent years and have repeatedly expressed a shared vision for a “multipolar world” as a counterbalance to U.S. influence.