While pressure from Washington on Beijing to distance itself from Moscow continues, during the visit of the top Russian official to China, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, especially in the fields of defense and military issues.
America plans to give $1.1 billion in weapons, including radar and tracking systems, and advanced missiles to Taiwan; this has angered China and threatened to take retaliatory measures if arms are sent to Taiwan.
Taiwan will donate $1 million to Afghan earthquake relief efforts in response to a call from the United Nations and others for humanitarian assistance.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the country’s armed forces to get prepared for a “comprehensive military struggle” amid escalating tensions with the United States.