"Russia and China Strengthen Security Cooperation Amid Rising Global Tensions"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia and China will deepen security cooperation to counter US influence in Europe and Asia, following talks in Beijing. Lavrov also stated that Russia will seek a UN assessment of Ukrainian drone attacks, while China supports a conference on Ukraine recognized by both Moscow and Kyiv. The two countries aim to oppose "hegemonism" and "small circle" bloc confrontation, with China emphasizing that NATO should not extend its influence to their common homeland. The strengthening of trade and military ties between Russia and China has been evident, with China becoming Russia's top crude supplier despite Western sanctions.