Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, speaking at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, said that NATO’s "eastward expansion" is a Western plot to expand the European conflict, which is taking place in Ukraine, toward Asia.

During China’s largest annual military diplomacy event, Shoigu noted that "Having orchestrated an acute crisis in Europe, the West is now looking at potentially spreading it to the Asia-Pacific region, and what’s more, in several directions," adding that "Western countries aim to escalate the conflict with Russia and increase the risk of major country confrontation."

According to the Defense Minister, any such a confrontation would amplify "strategic risks" and "lead to serious consequences."

"A joined Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security alliance," would allow the West to justify NATO's military bases across Asia, said Shoigu who further explained, "To maintain its geopolitical and strategic dominance, the United States is deliberately undermining the basis of international security and strategic stability."

To conclude, the Russian Defense Minister said that “the circle of our friends and like-minded people who do not want to be drawn into the confrontational agenda imposed by the collective West is invariably growing," as he discussed the effects of the Russian-Chinese relations.

Hungary to veto 12th EU sanctions package if Russian gas, oil targeted

During an interview with RIA Novosti, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that his country would veto the 12th sanctions package by the EU if it targets Russian gas, oil, or nuclear energy. 

"In case there's anything which is against our national interest in the next package, we will definitely not agree with passing it. So red line for us obviously is energy, gas, oil, nuclear, and any other aspects which would harm our national economy," Szijjarto said, stressing that there is no need to still implement sanctions.

According to Szijjarto, any restrictions on those who have done good to Hungary by "saving the lives of Hungarians, for example through making it possible that we could buy vaccines," or contributing to its energy supply will be opposed.

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