BEIJING, November 23. /TASS/. Military cooperation between Russia and China contributes to peace and stability on the Eurasian continent and beyond, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Chang Wanquan, on Wednesday.

"Against the backdrop of instability in global politics it is important that Russia and China are showing their readiness to defend peace and bolster international security. Let me point out that the bilateral military cooperation is not directed against other countries. It poses no threat to them but contributes to strengthening peace and stability on the Eurasian continent and beyond," he said.

The minister noted that military and military-technical cooperation between Russia and China "is aimed at boosting the capacity to counter modern challenges and threats, above all, international terrorism." According to Shoigu, Russia is interested in stepping up cooperation with China within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Shoigu also welcomed China’s willingness to host a number of International Army Games competitions in 2017. "That will help expand the games’ geography and increase their popularity," he said.

According to the Russian defense minister, the Russian-Chinese relations are at an unprecedentedly high level and continue to develop steadily. Regular contacts between Russian and Chinese Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who have met five times this year, contribute to this. "Important decisions have been made on the entire range of the bilateral and international agenda, including military and military-technical cooperation. We pay special attention to the implementation of the top-level agreements," Shoigu said, adding that "the expansion of ties with China’s defense ministry is an absolute priority."

The Russian defense minister and Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, Xu Qiliang, chaired the 21st meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental commission on military-technical cooperation earlier on Wednesday, Shoigu added. "We are satisfied with its results," he said. The Russian minister voiced confidence that today’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart will contribute to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Russia and China and the two countries’ armed forces.