China Signals Deeper Military Ties with Russia After Xi’s Moscow Visit

BEIJING – China on Thursday expressed its readiness to enhance military cooperation with Russia, following President Xi Jinping’s recent high-profile visit to Moscow to attend the World War II Victory Day parade alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Amid rising global tensions over the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Chinese Defence Ministry stated that military ties between Beijing and Moscow were “operating at a high level,” and that both countries were prepared to expand practical collaboration and strategic communication.

“The Chinese military stands ready to work with the Russian side to further deepen strategic mutual trust, step up strategic communication, and expand practical cooperation,” said Defence Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin in a statement posted on WeChat.

The move comes as China continues to position itself as a self-proclaimed neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, despite mounting criticism from Kyiv’s Western allies, who accuse Beijing of providing political and economic support to Moscow’s war effort.

Xi’s meeting with Putin included discussions aimed at reinforcing what both sides describe as a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.” Jiang added that the growing military cooperation would help “maintain and strengthen global strategic stability.”

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President Xi defended the China-Russia alliance, describing it as a source of “positive energy” in a turbulent global environment, and both leaders pledged to stand firm against what they labeled “hegemonic bullying,” in a veiled reference to the United States.

Putin praised the talks as “traditionally warm and friendly,” referring to Xi as his “dear friend,” further solidifying the growing bond between the two powers amid increasing geopolitical polarization.