Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held talks with his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Beijing on Monday.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, Dong said the bilateral relationship featuring high-level mutual trust and intensive cooperation is an exemplary model between major countries.
The two militaries should deepen strategic cooperation and enhance the quality and effectiveness of their cooperation, Dong said, adding that both sides should continuously advance the development of military relations, firmly defend the common interests of the two countries, and work together to safeguard global strategic stability.
Belousov said that military cooperation between Russia and China is important in safeguarding global and regional peace and stability.
The Russian side is willing to work with the Chinese side to continuously carry out efficient cooperation, and jointly address security challenges, said Belousov.
Prior to the talks, Dong hosted a welcome ceremony for Belousov and accompanied him for a review of an Honor Guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Chinese, Russian defense ministers hold talks in Beijing
Chinese, Russian defense ministers hold talks in Beijing
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday sent out his new year message for 2025 and called for more efforts among nations to ensure that a world which is divided can instead become more united.
In a video message to mark the new year, the UN chief looked back on the last 12 months, and expressed the hope that 2025 would mark a new beginning for countries around the world to work together with greater unity.
Guterres said that throughout 2024, "hope has been hard to find," with wars causing enormous "pain, suffering and displacement" and rife inequalities and divisions "fueling tensions and mistrust."
He also drew attention to the climate crisis, noting the past decade has been the hottest 10 years on record, and said the world is suffering from a "climate breakdown."
In order to exit this "road to ruin," he urged countries to put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions and supporting the transition to a renewable future.
Guterres stressed that the joint efforts of people all around the world would help keep hope alive.
"There are no guarantees for what's ahead in 2025, but I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people. Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning, not as a world divided, but as nations united," said Guterres.
UN chief calls for stronger global unity in 2025
