China, Russia boost military cooperation

During his visit, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is attending the 17th meeting of the joint Russia-China committee on military-technical cooperation. The parties are expected to sum up the results of their cooperation this year and set new goals for the years to come.

Russia and China have an extensive program of cooperation. It includes arms trade, technology transfer, top-level intergovernmental consultations and joint military exercises which take place both bilaterally and within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework.

Vasily Kashin, defense and arms trade expert of Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, said, "There has been at least two big contracts during this year and their combined value is $1.3bln. We are selling some navy systems to China, including ship-born helicopters. And we can expect that cooperation will grow."

This is the first foreign visit for the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu since he took office on November 6th. This year it coincides with the US President Barak Obama's big tour of Asia - his first trip abroad since re-election.

Alexander Lukin, director of Social Studies of Moscow State Institute of International Relations, said, "Obama's visit has something to do with China because China's growth. China's power makes its neighbors somewhat apprehensive about its intentions. And the US is trying to use this momentum to strengthen its relations with some of China's neighbors."

Reporter:"Russia and China are not military allies, but they are key strategic partners. And growing military and technical cooperation is important not only for them, but for many of their neighbors in the region. It ensures stability and security in the Asia Pacific and helps both countries, together with their partners, to jointly confront common challenges."

Lukin said, "The main goal is fighting international terrorism because both countries are endangered by international, especially radical Islamist terrorism."

Coordinating a joint response to rising global threats is an important point on the China-Russia agenda. Outlining key issues in their defense policies and building up bilateral ties are set to lay common ground for Russia and China's future cooperation.