China, Russia extend deal on notifying of missile launches by 10 years

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe attends a video conference with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, December 15, 2020. /CCTV

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday signed a protocol to extend the period of validity of an agreement on mutual notification for launches of ballistic missiles and carrier rockets, upon approval from the heads of the two states.

On that basis, the militaries of the two countries are ready to strengthen practical cooperation and enrich bilateral relations, the two defense ministers said at a video conference.

China and Russia inked the agreement on October 13, 2009, and it was set to expire on December 16, 2020. The protocol, effective from Tuesday, extends the agreement's period of validity by 10 years.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency