On Tuesday, the defence chiefs of Russia and China signed a roadmap highlighting plans for closer military ties between the two countries, citing increasing concerns over the United States (US) military activity at their respective borders.
Russian Defence Minister and General of the Army Sergei Shoigu and Chinese military department head Colonel-General Wei Fenghe expressed optimism over the deepening partnership between the two countries during a videoconference.
General Shoigu raised concerns over the increased presence of US aircraft at Russia’s borders, saying that “over the past month, about 30 sorties have been made to the borders of the Russian Federation, which is 2.5 times more than in the corresponding period last year.” Shoigu noted how the activity of American strategic bombers also poses a threat to China, saying that “under the US exercise Global Thunder, ten bombers practised the use of nuclear weapons against Russia from both western and eastern directions.”
In this context of “increasing geopolitical turbulence,” Shoigu emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Russia and China and said, “Russian-Chinese coordination is becoming a stabilising factor in world affairs.”
Both leaders agreed to “increase cooperation between the two countries armed forces through strategic military exercises and joint patrols” and stressed the steady deepening of cooperation between both countries.
The Sino-Russian military partnership was announced after both countries separately condemned the passing of a US warship through the contentious Taiwan Strait on Tuesday.
According to the US Navy, the USS Milius, a guided-missile destroyer, was fully in accordance with international law while conducting a “routine Taiwan Strait transit” through international waters. The Navy said that “the ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” “The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows,” it added.
In a statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi from the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said, “This action of the US side created security risks and undermined regional stability.”
Likewise, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian remarked in a press conference on Tuesday that “the US warships have repeatedly flexed muscles, made provocations and stirred up trouble in the Taiwan Strait in the name of freedom of navigation.” “This is by no means commitment to freedom and openness, but rather a deliberate disruption and sabotage of regional peace and stability,” Zhao added.
Furthermore, Zhao pointed out that “China is firmly resolved in upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He said, “The US side should immediately correct its mistakes, stop making provocations, challenging the bottom line and playing with fire, and play a more constructive role in regional peace and stability.”
Following last week’s virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Washington stressed that “high-level diplomacy is a priority” amid escalating tensions with Moscow.
Military cooperation between Russia and China has increased in the past few months. Last month, Russian and Chinese warships and aircrafts conducted joint drills in the Sea of Japan. On Friday, two Russian and two Chinese aircraft conducted a joint patrol over the Sea of Japan, prompting South Korea to raise alarms.
According to the Associated Press, Russia’s shift towards China results from deteriorating relations with the US and Western allies following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and other contentious issues such as cyberattacks and election interference.
China, Russia Slam US Activity At Their Borders, Vow to Intensify Military Partnership
The two countries have increased cooperation through strategic military exercises and joint patrols.
November 24, 2021
Naval vessels from China and Russia during joint military drills in the Sea of Japan, in October 2021. IMAGE SOURCE: REUTERS