Chinese Defense Minister to Visit Russia and Belarus This week

China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu will visit Russia and Belarus from August 14-19, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

At the invitation of Russian Defence Minister SergeiShoigu and Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin, State Councillor and Defence Minister Li Shangfu will go to Russia to attend the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security, and visit Belarus," a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson said.

In Belarus, he will meet the country's president and army commander and will visit military departments.

China and Russia have strengthened military ties, conducting joint patrols and military exercises. Li had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in April, vowing to strengthen military cooperation. In July, Li met with the head of Russia's navy in Beijing.