"Attempts by certain states to change the military-political balance in the Asia-Pacific Region raise serious concerns. This entails bringing new weaponry to the region and the gradual build-up of military activity," Anatoly Antonov said at the Xiangshan Forum on defense, which is being held in Beijing on October 16-17.
The Russian deputy defense minister stressed that in view of the current political situation, the buildup of friendly military ties between Russia and China is of particular importance in ensuring stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Antonov, Russia is cooperating with most of the Asia-Pacific states in the military sphere within the framework of international treaties.
"In the near future we plan to finish the preparation of similar agreements with Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the Philippines," the deputy defense minister said.
The administration of US President Barack Obama announced in 2011 a rebalance, or pivot, to the Asia-Pacific region amid the rise of China.
As part of the strategy, the United States wants to strengthen security cooperation with Japan, Australia, South Korea, India and Southeast Asian nations.
Russia has expressed concern that the US pivot to the Asia-Pacific could disrupt regional and global stability, warning against the deployment of US missile defense systems in the Asia-Pacific.
