<p>Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu on Sunday hailed ties with Moscow during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.</p>.<p>"We have very strong ties. They surpass the military-political alliances of the Cold War era... They are very stable," he said in translated remarks broadcast on Russian TV.</p>.<p>He added that Russia-China ties have "already entered a new era".</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/china-says-no-weapons-exports-to-parties-in-ukraine-conflict-1209632.html" target="_blank">China says no weapons exports to parties in Ukraine conflict</a></strong></p>.<p>"This is my first overseas visit since taking over as China's defence minister. I specifically chose Russia for this in order to emphasise the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral ties," Li said.</p>.<p>Li also said China was willing to work with Russia to "further strengthen strategic communication between the two militaries", according to a readout of the meeting published by China's defence ministry.</p>.<p>In the meeting, also attended by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin welcomed military cooperation between Russia and China.</p>.<p>"We are also working actively through the military departments, regularly exchange useful information, cooperate in the field of military-technical cooperation, conduct joint exercises," Putin said.</p>.<p>"This is, undoubtedly, another important area that strengthens the exclusively trusting, strategic nature of our relations," he added.</p>.<p>Li's trip to Russia -- which will last until April 19 -- comes weeks after an official visit to Moscow by Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.</p>.<p>During two days of talks, Putin and Xi hailed a "new era" in their relationship and discussed Beijing's proposals to end the Ukraine conflict.</p>.<p>Moscow and Beijing have over the past years ramped up cooperation, both driven by a desire to counterbalance US global dominance. Their partnership has only grown closer since Putin launched an offensive in Ukraine last February.</p>.<p>China has sought to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, but Washington has accused Beijing of mulling arms exports to Moscow -- claims China has denied.</p>
<p>Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu on Sunday hailed ties with Moscow during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.</p>.<p>"We have very strong ties. They surpass the military-political alliances of the Cold War era... They are very stable," he said in translated remarks broadcast on Russian TV.</p>.<p>He added that Russia-China ties have "already entered a new era".</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/china-says-no-weapons-exports-to-parties-in-ukraine-conflict-1209632.html" target="_blank">China says no weapons exports to parties in Ukraine conflict</a></strong></p>.<p>"This is my first overseas visit since taking over as China's defence minister. I specifically chose Russia for this in order to emphasise the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral ties," Li said.</p>.<p>Li also said China was willing to work with Russia to "further strengthen strategic communication between the two militaries", according to a readout of the meeting published by China's defence ministry.</p>.<p>In the meeting, also attended by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin welcomed military cooperation between Russia and China.</p>.<p>"We are also working actively through the military departments, regularly exchange useful information, cooperate in the field of military-technical cooperation, conduct joint exercises," Putin said.</p>.<p>"This is, undoubtedly, another important area that strengthens the exclusively trusting, strategic nature of our relations," he added.</p>.<p>Li's trip to Russia -- which will last until April 19 -- comes weeks after an official visit to Moscow by Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month.</p>.<p>During two days of talks, Putin and Xi hailed a "new era" in their relationship and discussed Beijing's proposals to end the Ukraine conflict.</p>.<p>Moscow and Beijing have over the past years ramped up cooperation, both driven by a desire to counterbalance US global dominance. Their partnership has only grown closer since Putin launched an offensive in Ukraine last February.</p>.<p>China has sought to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, but Washington has accused Beijing of mulling arms exports to Moscow -- claims China has denied.</p>