Overview
- Chinese defence chief Dong Jun told Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov the two sides should strengthen strategic coordination, expand cooperation, improve communication mechanisms, and enhance joint risk response.
- Both countries’ summaries of the conversation omitted any mention of the conflict in Ukraine.
- Belousov said the talks would reinforce the bilateral strategic partnership and pointed to developments in Venezuela and Iran as factors shaping the security environment.
- The ministerial call followed recent vice‑ministerial consultations on Asia‑Pacific affairs focused on tightening coordination.
- The conversation came days after Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in Abu Dhabi over a US‑brokered peace plan, as Western governments continue to accuse Beijing of propping up Russia’s war economy.