New China defence minister holds video talks with Russia’s Shoigu

China’s new defence minister Dong Jun held a video call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, according to a defence ministry statement, in his first public engagement since being appointed last month.
Former Navy chief Dong’s appointment came after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, disappeared from public view in August, throwing China’s military diplomacy in doubt.
Dong told Shoigu that the Chinese and Russian militaries will “promote bilateral military relations to reach an even higher level, in order to play an even bigger role in upholding global security and stability”, according to the Chinese defence ministry readout.
Dong added that both militaries will “firmly respond to global challenges and continue to enhance mutual strategic trust”.
The role of China’s defence minister is to be the public face of the People’s Liberation Army in its engagement with the media and with other armed forces.