Russia, China bolster defense ties at 'substantive' talks 

Andrei Belousov, Russia's defence minister, attends a meeting with Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, in Beijing, in this still image taken from video, Oct. 15, 2024. (Russian Defense Ministry/Handout via Reuters)

Russia and China held "substantive" defense and military talks to bolster ties, Russia's defense minister said on Tuesday, as Moscow and Beijing cement a "no limits" partnership and step up criticism of U.S. efforts to extend its influence in Asia.