New defense minister talks with Russian counterpart

China's new defense minister Dong Jun held video talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, China's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday afternoon.

This was Dong's first public appearance since his appointment as Minister of National Defense at the end of last year.

According to a statement from the ministry, Dong said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has maintained high-level development.

The newly appointed defense minister noted that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, emphasizing that Chinese and Russian militaries should implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, firmly face global challenges, continuously enhance strategic mutual trust and keep expanding pragmatic cooperation.

He also called for promoting bilateral military ties to a higher level, playing a greater role in deepening comprehensive strategic coordination between China and Russia, and maintaining global security and stability.

Shoigu said that under the guidance of the leaders of both countries, Russia-China relations are at their best level in history, according to the statement.

He expressed Russia's willingness to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a new starting point to innovate in areas and methods of military cooperation, and to elevate the relationship between the two nations and their armed forces to a new level.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Dong was appointed China's new Minister of National Defense by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, at the end of last year.

Before his latest job as defense chief, the high-ranking military official worked as the commander of the Chinese navy and was promoted to the rank of general in September 2021, making him one of the highest-ranking officers in active service.