BEIJING, April 18. /TASS/. China and Russia aim to protect their common interests before Western countries, China’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Hanhui told reporters on Thursday.

He noted that the West attempts to "create difficulties around Russia and China, and to provoke a conflict near the two countries." "As strategic partners, we will work together and protect our common interests," the senior diplomat stressed.

He added that the situation in Afghanistan and Central Asia is of key importance to Moscow and Beijing. "The West wants to organize 'color revolutions' again, and  makes determined efforts in this regard," Hanhui said.