Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte met with top officials from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea (Indo-Pacific Four) in Ankara. They discussed global issues including Ukraine, China, North Korea, and Iran, agreeing to boost cooperation in defense, cyberspace, and technology.
North Korea showcased its growing naval capabilities with a cruise missile test, signaling its readiness to join future naval drills with Russia and China. Analysts suggest this display aims to position Pyongyang as a participant in great-power maritime exercises.
Russia and China commence joint naval drills in the Yellow Sea, emphasizing defensive operations. Meanwhile, the US plans to deploy additional military personnel to Poland, considering a permanent base, while Poland's internal politics see a promise to block Ukraine's EU entry.
China's Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, lauded TASS and Xinhua for 70 years of cooperation, stating they have built a strong "information bridge" that enhances mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the peoples of China and Russia, speaking at a joint media tour opening in Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov discussed the recent call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, emphasizing Russia's position on Ukraine and Trump's consistent stance. Peskov also addressed Russia-China joint military drills, stating they are not aimed against any country and contribute to regional security.
Russia's Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russia-China Joint Sea 2026 naval exercise, taking place in the Yellow Sea, is not directed against any country and contributes to regional security and predictability.
The Russia-China Joint Sea 2026 exercise, held in the Yellow Sea from July 6-13, will focus on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and naval drones, with a specific scenario dedicated to fighting these systems. The drills will also cover joint maneuvering, artillery firings, anti-submarine warfare, and rescue operations.
The Russia-China Joint Sea-2026 naval drills have started at the port of Qingdao, running from July 6 to July 13 in the Yellow Sea. Announced by Russian and Chinese exercise directors, the drills are described as defensive and not aimed at any third country. They include joint search-and-rescue, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and artillery firing exercises.
Reports cover Ukraine's troop losses, potential US-Iran deals, Fico's criticism of EU policies, and Russia-China economic cooperation. Discussions between Putin and Trump, and potential sanctions relief for Iran, are highlighted.
Boris Titov, chairman of the Russia-China Committee of Friendship, Peace and Development, stated that payment issues between Russia and China have been tactically resolved. He noted that businesses have found solutions through existing clearing platforms, such as PSB, and no current problems exist for making payments.
The Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline deal faces logistical challenges, not price disputes, according to Russian presidential envoy Boris Titov. He stated that the route decision is a technical issue that will be resolved soon.
Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov stated that nearly all Russia-China trade is conducted in rubles and yuan, with bilateral trade turnover exceeding $200 billion for three consecutive years and growing over 20% this year. Both nations oppose protectionism and have numerous joint investment projects.
Russia expects a 60% increase in mutual tourist flow with China in 2026, reaching 4-4.5 million trips, driven by increased flights and competitive pricing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that new agreements between Russia and China in the energy sector will soon "delight" the global energy market. He expressed confidence that objectives set during his visit to China will be achieved, with ongoing high-level contacts and company-level work.
Trade volume between Russia and China surged by 19.7% year-on-year in January-April, reaching $85.2 billion, according to Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the ongoing events in Ukraine and the Middle East do not impact the strong friendship between Russia and China. He emphasized the strategic nature of their partnership, highlighting its stability and mutual support.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the trade turnover between Russia and China has reached an impressive figure, growing to nearly $250 billion. This highlights the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Russia's trade turnover with China has grown 2.5 times in the last ten years, according to Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Alexey Gruzdev at SPIEF-2026. Diversification is noted, with agriculture and metals, including copper and aluminum, driving growth.
The Russia-China partnership is framed not as an anti-Western alliance but as a revolt against unipolarity, advocating for a multipolar world where diverse civilizations can pursue their own paths without ideological supervision from the West. This vision challenges Western dominance and offers an alternative to a global order perceived as exhausted.
An expert from China's Pangu think tank stated that Vladimir Putin's visit to China signifies strong political trust between the two nations, especially during times of global instability. The visit coincides with significant anniversaries and the launch of a cultural program, reinforcing long-term bilateral ties. China views this cooperation as crucial for global stability and a more multipolar world order, with Western pressure incentivizing deeper collaboration in various sectors.
An expert believes the Russia-China partnership is shaping global trends and contributing to a multipolar world order. The partnership is seen as strategic coordination for a new world order, with BRICS+ emerging as a key geopolitical architecture.
Russian President Putin discussed the Iranian conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping, proposing to store enriched uranium in Russia. Meanwhile, human rights groups report a surge in executions in Iran, including Iraqi and Iranian nationals, amid concerns of political killings. Separately, German media revealed alleged Iranian plots to assassinate German politicians, leading to calls for diplomatic action.
Russian President Putin's Beijing meeting with Xi Jinping showcased strong Russia-China trust, occurring shortly after a US presidential visit. Key takeaways include unified stances on various issues and China's diplomatic balancing act.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that trade turnover between Russia and China has grown by over 10% this year, following an adjustment in 2025. He noted that trade cooperation will continue under long-term strategies, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $240 billion in 2025.
