QINGDAO, SHANDONG PROVINCE, CHINA — JUNE 25, 2025 —RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT "RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY" HANDOUT — EDITORIAL USE ONLY — The Russian Defense Ministry announced Wednesday, June 25, that Andrey Belousov met his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, in Qingdao. It said Belousov praised the level of relations between Russia and China as "unprecedentedly high," before the meeting. "Friendly relations between Russia and China are dynamically evolving across all dimensions and have reached an unprecedentedly high level. Trust-based contacts between the leaders play a decisive role in consolidating our strategic partnership. We are committed to implementing all agreements reached," the Russian defense chief was quoted by the ministry. Belousov emphasized that Russia looks forward to "close and fruitful cooperation with Chinese counterparts, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework." He expressed confidence that his talks with Dong would further strengthen the strategic partnership in the defense sphere. Belousov also noted that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Chinese people's resistance to Japanese aggression. He thanked his colleague for the participation of Chinese servicemen in the parade commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany. Dong said the meeting would involve "exchanging views on issues of mutual interest."