China, Russia to further strengthen strategic coordination: spokesman

China and Russia will enhance their strategic coordination and deepen practical cooperation between the two militaries, a Chinese military spokesperson said on Thursday

Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press briefing in Beijing in response to a query regarding a recent video call between the Chinese and Russian defense ministers.

"On Jan. 27, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held a video call with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. The two sides had an in-depth discussion on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and deepening practical military cooperation," Jiang said.

"The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have sustained high-level development, and exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries across all levels and fields have yielded substantial outcomes, playing a significant role in safeguarding international and regional stability," he said.

"China stands ready to work with Russia to further enhance strategic coordination, diversify cooperation, and firmly support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns. Together, we will make new contributions to deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and continuously infuse positive energy into global security and stability," said the spokesperson.

China, Russia to further strengthen strategic coordination: spokesman

Protesters took to the streets of the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Wednesday, urging the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

The U.S. launched a military strike on Venezuela on Jan. 3, forcibly taking the South American country's president and his wife and placing them in custody in New York, an action that has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.

"We insist on taking to the streets. All social movements and all political forces are defending the homeland. We will continue protesting and demand that the U.S. empire return our commander, our president," said protester Roni Campero.

"Everyone here voted for Maduro. We want him to return home safely," said protester Esperanza Olavarria.

The demonstrators said they believe U.S. efforts to destabilize the country will fail.

"The United States wants a civil war to happen here, but it hasn't succeeded. We are still standing firm and will continue fighting to the end," said protester Maria Hinojosa.

Venezuelans rally in Caracas, demand US release President Maduro