Interview: Russia-China military cooperation boosts global,regional security

April 16, 2015, Xinhua

MOSCOW, April 15 — The mutually beneficial military cooperation between Russia andChina is not targeted at any third party but is aimed at consolidating global and regionalsecurity, says Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov.

He made the remarks in a joint interview with Chinese reporters ahead of the FourthMoscow Conference on International Security, which Chinese Defense Minister ChangWanquan is expected to attend.

“The military cooperation between Russia and China, which is open and transparent, is ofsubstantial content and boasts broad prospects. And the defense ministries of bothcountries are devoted to furthering their coordination in the future,” Antonov said.

Russia-China military interactions have maintained good momentum, he said, citing thestrengthening of consultations between the general staff departments of the two armedforces and the increasingly frequent exchange of visits by military delegations.

“Russia-China military cooperation has shown a very pragmatic nature, for instance,improving the combat capabilities of both countries’ military forces through joint drills,and sharing experience of military building through mutual visits,” Antonov said.

Besides, he also saw a huge potential in educational and cultural exchanges between twocountries’ military forces. “Russia is quite interested in the development of China’smilitary medical science, hoping to promote related experience in our country,” Antonovsaid.

Antonov said that Russia has attached great importance to its rotating presidency of theShanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year and plans to hold as many as 100events in various areas including military defense.

Both Russia and China are committed to the security and stability of the SCO, and theorganization will continue to strengthen anti-terror cooperation this year.

Speaking of the current situation in the Asia-Pacific region, Antonov said the region facesthreats and challenges such as terrorism, territorial disputes, drug smuggling and piracy.

He praised China for trying its best to promote stability, peace and tranquility in thisregion, and for creating conditions for economic development in the region.

Expressing his concern with the U.S. strategy of “pivot to Asia,” Antonov saidWashington’s plans to build anti-missile defense systems in Asia will, to some extent,impair the balance of power in the region.

Moreover, Antonov said Russia appreciates China’s decision to jointly celebrate the 70thanniversary of the anti-Fascist victory of the Second World War, adding that a top-levelRussian delegation will go to China to attend the commemorations for the 70thanniversary of China’s victory over Japanese aggression.

The Moscow Conference on International Security has been held every year since 2012. Itis expected that over 400 representatives from all over the world will participate in thisyear’s meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday.