Russia strengthens military cooperation with China, calling on allies to deal with threats from the US

Speaking at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on April 26, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia and its allies in Asia should increase joint exercises, in the context of other countries. This country is facing many direct threats from America’s efforts to expand its security influence in the region.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s member countries include Russia, India, China, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

“I believe everyone agrees with the view that the deployment of military infrastructure by the US and its allies in the region is unacceptable,” Mr. Shoigu said.

According to the Russian Defense Minister, SCO countries should expand the scope and location of their military exercises.

In his speech, Mr. Shoigu accused the US-led “Diamond Quad” (QUAD) and AUKUS alliances of trying to reshape the security structure in the Pacific region to suit them. The Russian Defense Minister said pressure is also increasing on China over the Taiwan issue.

Russia’s Defense Minister said the main threat in Central Asia comes from “extremist terrorist groups in Afghanistan”, and Washington is trying to restore the influence in the region that it has lost since withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. in 2021.

Mr. Shoigu also repeated his assertion that Ukraine was behind the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall Theater in Russia at the end of March, despite the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) claiming responsibility. The US and Ukraine have denied this accusation.

In addition, Mr. Shoigu confirmed that foreign advisers are helping Kiev prepare sabotage actions on Russian territory and that Ukraine is using Western weapons to attack Russia’s civilian infrastructure.

On the same day, meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, Mr. Shoigu affirmed that Russia and China will continue to strengthen military cooperation, saying that China and Russia’s approaches to international issues are the same, RIA News Agency reported.