The Chinese Defense Ministry on Wednesday hailed Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu's visit to Russia from Sunday to Wednesday, saying that it reflects the deepening of mutual trust between the two countries and the independence of cooperation between the two militaries.

The two defense ministers agreed to fully implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, continue close high-level communication, improve the mechanism of interaction between the two militaries, and expand cooperation between theater of operations, military branches and colleges, Defense Ministry spokesperson Tan Kefei said.

Both sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other in safeguarding core interests and resolutely opposed interference in internal affairs by external forces, he said.

The Russian side said it opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Tan said.

China is willing to further consolidate and strengthen strategic cooperation with the Russian side, practice true multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and hegemony, and firmly safeguard international fairness and justice, he added. 

China's military will fulfill international responsibilities, join hands to address common security threats and challenges, and make new and greater contributions to safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, maintaining world peace and stability, and serving to build a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

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