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The Russian Defense Minister accused the United States of fueling geopolitical tensions on Monday in order to maintain its “global dominance by any means,” warning of the risk of a confrontation between nuclear-armed countries. During a defense forum in Beijing, Sergei Shoigu also accused NATO of attempting to expand its presence in Asia and the Pacific under the pretext of seeking dialogue and collaboration with regional countries. He stated that Washington has deliberately undermined the foundations of international security and strategic stability, including arms control agreements, while threatening Russia by expanding NATO to the east.

Shoigu’s remarks came after Zhang Youxia, China’s second military officer and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, inaugurated the three-day event in the absence of the former defense minister, General Li Shangfu, who was recently removed from his position with no explanation provided. The event, attended by military representatives from dozens of countries, is an occasion for China to project regional leadership and promote military cooperation. The United States is represented by a delegation led by Xanthi Carras, the principal official for China at the Department of Defense.

Zhang stated that China is “willing to develop military ties with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation.” However, China suspended military communication with the U.S. in August 2022 to express displeasure over a visit by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to autonomous Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

The Associated Press journalist Jim Heintz in Tallinn, Estonia contributed to this report. The summit in Beijing sheds light on the complex international relations and security challenges faced by major powers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia’s accusations against the U.S. and NATO, along with China’s willingness to engage in military cooperation with the U.S., highlight the delicate balance of power and diplomatic tensions in the region.

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