The Russian Defense Ministry will host the annual 2-day Moscow Conference on International Security on April 27th. CCTV interviewed Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov, who introduced the meeting's agenda and explained Russia's concerns over some regional tensions.
 
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov appreciates the fact that China and Russia stay on the same page with regards to many world issues, such as the Iranian nuclear deal and the Syrian crisis.

And speaking of the China-Russia military drills, he stressed that such military cooperation does not target any country. The minister also expresses Russia's willingness to expand such cooperation with China.

Antonov: China-Russia military drills do not target anyone

"Our cooperation aims to secure our domestic soils, and also to improve our ability to take responsibility for international affairs. Through military drills, the two countries can better work together, and soldiers can get to know each other better. This is also helpful for any peace-keeping missions in the future,"Antonov said.

500 military leaders and senior officials from 80 countries will attend this year's Moscow Conference on International Security.

Antonov says the main agenda for this meeting is international anti-terrorism cooperation, but the security situation in the Asia-Pacific is also highly relevant.

Asia-Pacific security on the agenda

"The Asia-Pacific region is developing rapidly, and has come under world spotlight. Keeping stability in the region is in line with the interests of many countries, especially for Russia and China. Hence, I think security issues in the region need to be discussed at the conference," Antonov said.

Russia also pays close attention to US military movements, especially in Asia. Antonov says Russia does not welcome the US deploying the THAAD anti-missile system in Asia. He also does not think that the US can help to keep peace and stability in Asia-Pacific by simply expanding military presence in the region.