China's Defense Minister Meets Putin in Moscow, Strengthening Military Ties.

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who was sanctioned by the US in 2018, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss their countries' close military cooperation. Li's visit follows Chinese leader Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia last month, during which the two countries pledged to deepen military mutual trust and strengthen military exchanges and cooperation. While Ukraine was not mentioned in either side's official readout of the meeting, European leaders hope that Xi could use his rapport with Putin to push for peace.