China strengthens military ties with Iran, SCO
China’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, announced plans to strengthen military collaboration with Iran, Belarus, and member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes Russia.
“We will continue to strengthen the mechanism of security cooperation within the SCO, actively deepen defense collaboration with the organization’s newest member Iran, as well as Belarus, which will soon become an SCO member,” TASS quoted him as saying.
The announcement came during Li’s address at the 11th International Security Conference in Moscow, The Rio Times reported.
Li emphasized China’s commitment to diplomatic conflict resolutions: “We are devoted to fostering peace talks and facilitating a broader international consensus to address issues, whether in Afghanistan, Syria, the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine, or regarding Iran’s nuclear situation.”
Founded in 2001, the SCO comprises nations such as Russia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.
It was announced at the summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State that was held virtually in India in July that Iran joined the group. Also, Belarus signed a memorandum of commitment, which set off the procedure for acquiring full membership in the organization.
After the Moscow conference, Li will visit Russia and Belarus. During his Belarus visit, he will engage in discussions with Belarusian national and military leaders and inspect some of the nation’s military units, as conveyed by Wu Qian, the spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry.
In a recent joint statement following a Kremlin meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both nations affirmed their intent to bolster military cooperation, highlighting mutual trust enhancement amongst their armed forces.