"China and Russia Strengthen Military Cooperation with High-Level Talks"

China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, and Russia's naval chief, Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov, held formal military talks in Beijing, reaffirming their countries' military relations and expressing a desire for increased exchanges, joint exercises, and cooperation. China, with the world's largest navy, has been supporting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, aligning their foreign policies and positions at the UN. The recent Wagner revolt in Russia has made China the dominant partner in the relationship, as Russia's economy heavily depends on energy purchases from China and India. The leaders of China, Russia, and India are set to meet at a virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, indicating some support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.