Russia and China strengthen 'no limits' military alliance
Russia is strengthening its cooperation with China. On Monday, Andrei Belousov, the head of the Russian defence department, arrived in Beijing. According to the department's statement, he is there to conduct "a series of negotiations with the country's military and military-political leaders."
Moscow and Beijing have been increasingly tightening their cooperation since the attack on Ukraine in February 2022. This alliance is causing concern in the West, as both countries aim to expand their global influence. It also enables the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia by the West in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
According to the statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence, during his visit to China, Belousov "will conduct a series of negotiations with the country's military and military-political leaders."
The ministry released a video showing Belousov receiving a salute from Chinese soldiers in Beijing while a military orchestra plays the Russian national anthem.
"No limits" cooperation flourishes
China and Russia announced "no limits" cooperation just before Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Since then, both countries have conducted a series of joint military exercises.
President Vladimir Putin stated in August that Russia's economic and trade ties with China "are yielding results" and that both countries are working on joint "economic and humanitarian" projects.
Last month, Russian and Chinese warships conducted joint exercises in the Sea of Japan. These were part of large-scale naval exercises, which, according to Putin, were the largest of their kind in three decades.
