China's Defense Minister and Russia's Navy Chief Hold Historic Military Talks

China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, and the head of Russia's navy, Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov, held the first formal military talks between the two countries since the Wagner revolt. Li reaffirmed China's military relations with Russia and expressed hopes for increased exchanges, joint exercises, and other forms of cooperation. The Chinese and Russian navies have close interactions, and China operates the world's largest navy. The military cooperation between China and Russia reflects their informal alliance against the U.S.-led liberal world order. China has stood beside Russia in the Ukraine conflict, accusing the U.S. and NATO of provoking Moscow. The recent developments have made Russia the junior partner in the relationship, with the Russian economy heavily dependent on energy purchases from China and India.