Russian, Chinese defense ministries pursuing strategic cooperation - Russian deputy defense minister
MOSCOW. July 24 (Interfax) - Russian-Chinese relations in the military area are strategic in nature, and joint exercises have shown mutual understanding and readiness to carry out their tasks, the Russian Defense Ministry quoted Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov as saying on Friday.
Antonov took part in a reception on the 88th anniversary of the foundation of the People's Liberation Army of China at the Chinese embassy in Moscow on July 24.
"Russian-Chinese relations in the military area are of strategic nature and are aimed at improving joint potential in opposing new challenges and threats. To this end, Russian-Chinese exercises have been conducted on a regular basis. The joint naval exercises Naval Interaction 2015 were conducted earlier this year, in which servicemen demonstrated an excellent combat training level, mutual understanding, and readiness to carry out the tasks set to them together," the Defense Ministry said, quoting Antonov's greeting speech.
"A Chinese unit's participation in the Victory Parade on May 9, 2015 was a sign of tribute to the victors' courage and heroism," Antonov said.
"It is planned that a Russian parade squad will take part in the Victory Parade on Tiananmen Square on September 3," it said.
Antonov greeted his Chinese counterparts on behalf of Russian Defense Minister Army Gen. Sergei Shoigu on the anniversary of the People's Liberation Army foundation and wished the Chinese army personnel wellbeing and success in improving the country's defense capability.