China pledged a deeper partnership with Russia on Wednesday while US President Joe Biden reaffirmed security assurances for NATO's "frontline" eastern members, highlighting global tensions as the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches. A time of crisis called for Russia and China "to continuously deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership", Beijing's top diplomat said. Putin said he was looking forward to a visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping and a deeper partnership. Russia is due to begin military exercises with China in South Africa on Friday and has sent a frigate equipped with new generation hypersonic cruise missiles. A Russian officer said on Wednesday Russia would fire artillery, but not the missiles, whose speed makes them difficult to shoot down.

Source: bd News24 February 23, 2023 05:22 UTC