ZHUHAI, China — In a display of solidarity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, a prominent Russian defense official attended China’s major military exhibition, signifying a closer relationship between the two nations as Russia’s military actions in Ukraine persist.

Sergei Shoigu, who serves as the secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, visited Zhuhai on Thursday and inspected various military assets, including advanced Chinese and Russian aircraft. Notable among the display were China’s J22 and J35A stealth fighters, which Beijing promotes as competing with the latest American fighters in the same category.

This visit by Shoigu, a former defense minister, appears to be a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties as Russia’s military operations in Ukraine face a deadlock. Amidst this challenging landscape, Russia has sought assistance from North Korean soldiers to augment its forces.

While China has stopped short of providing direct military aid to Russia, it has supplied dual-use technologies that may enhance Russia’s operational capabilities against Ukrainian positions. Additionally, China has positioned itself as a significant buyer of Russian oil and gas, particularly as international sanctions have hindered Russia’s access to the global financial system.

In the lead-up to Russia’s extensive military actions in Ukraine in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing, where the two nations formalized a comprehensive cooperation agreement and committed to an “unlimited partnership.” Since then, China and Russia have conducted multiple joint military exercises and have aligned their international strategies to counter the influence of the U.S.-led Western coalition.