Russian Defence Minister Shoigu meets top Chinese general for second time in 10 days

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu held talks with a top Chinese military official in Moscow on Wednesday.Shoigu met Zhang Youxia for talks to "deepen" military cooperation with Beijing as the Russian troops fight on in Ukraine.In a grand reception ceremony held in Moscow, Shoigu extended a warm welcome to Youxia, a high-ranking general and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of Beijing.According to a statement released by the Russian Ministry of Defence, Shoigu said, "We, unlike some aggressive Western countries, are not creating a military bloc. Relations between Russia and China are an example of strategic cooperation, based on trust and respect.""I am sure that today's meeting will be another step to deepen the multi-profile links between our countries and military departments," he added.Shoigu also highlighted that the discussions would revolve around advancing bilateral cooperation in the realm of defence.Both the leaders met for the second time within a 10-day period. Thier previous talks were held on the sidelines of a forum that Shoigu attended in Beijing on 30 October.The Chinese official is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day, accoridng to the Kremlin.The visit by the Chinese official comes three weeks after President Putin's visit to Beijing in a rare trip abroad.Over the past year, Russia has been fostering closer relations with China, seeking support and alliances as it continues its military operations in Ukraine.Both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have aimed to present a unified stance against Western nations.With inputs from agencies