Chinese and Russian Defense Minister meet to discuss military collaboration at SCO summit

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, newly appointed Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, emphasized the strategic importance of their countries’ military cooperation. This first face-to-face meeting since Minister Dong’s appointment focusing on the growing defense collaboration in a changing global scenario. Minister Dong commented on the dynamic nature of China-Russia military relations. Minister Shoigu echoed these remarks, asserting that their partnership sets a model for interstate relations, based on mutual respect and shared strategic interests. In addition to their bilateral discussions, Shoigu addressed the SCO assembly, refuting any claims of Russian threats to NATO. He criticized the US and its allies for imposing their policies on other nations, often through coercion. The SCO defense ministers’ meeting was attended by delegates from member countries including India, Iran, Pakistan, and observer state Belarus, which plans to join the SCO.