Putin and China's Defense Minister Strengthen Military Ties in Moscow

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow, highlighting China's increasing engagement with Russia and alignment of foreign policy to diminish the influence of Western democracies. While China remains officially neutral in the Ukraine conflict, it provides Russia with political cover and an economic lifeline. Putin praised the development of Russia-China relations, including military cooperation, which he said was conducted in different theaters.