China calls for unity, cooperation at SCO defense ministers' meeting

Group photo of defense ministers at the Defense Ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow, Russia, September 4, 2020. /Chinese Defense Ministry

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on Friday called for unity and cooperation in his speech made at the Defense Ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow, Russia.

In his speech, Wei highlighted the importance and urgency of building a community with a shared future for mankind as the world is becoming increasingly unstable due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He called for the international community to enhance cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus and work together to get through the difficult time, instead of escalating conflicts.

The Chinese defense minister reiterated China's commitment to peaceful development while stressing that the Chinese army has the determination, capability as well as the confidence to defend its national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Noting this year marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Wei hoped all parties would cherish the hard-earned peace by fully implementing the consensus reached by their leaders, striving for cooperation and contributing to regional and global peace and stability.

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe signs documents at the Defense Ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Moscow, Russia, September 4, 2020. /Chinese Defense Ministry

Wei made similar remarks during his meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the SCO ministerial meeting to discuss the tensions on the border areas.

It was also the first and highest level of face-to-face talks since the June 15 clash in the Galwan river valley which led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and the most serious tensions since they fought a war in 1962.

China-Russia military cooperation boosted

On Saturday, Wei also held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on issues such as bilateral relations, practical cooperation between the two militaries, and international and regional affairs, according to the Chinese Defense Ministry.

Russia's TASS news agency reported that Shoigu highlighted Wei's efforts in promoting Russian-Chinese military and military-technical cooperation, especially during the pandemic.

"In spite of the pandemic, you are making a second visit to Russia. I am thankful for the attention you focus on the development of the military and military-technical cooperation between our countries," Shoigu said as he met with Wei.