Moscow: Russia and China today (Dec 17, 2003) signed a Defence co-operation protocol under which Beijing will buy $ 2 billion worth of Russian arms and weapon systems and technologies next year.

The protocol signed by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov and his visiting Chinese counterpart Gen Cao Gangchuan at the end of the regular session of the Sino-Russian Commission, sets the detailed schedule for Defence interaction between Beijing and Moscow in 2004 to bring them closer to 30-70 ratio between serially produced weapons and prospective Defence technologies.

"In the year 2004 the amount of new contracts stipulated in the protocol and ongoing contracts would be equivalent to $ 2 billion," ITAR-TASS reported quoting Deputy Defence Minister Mikhail Dmitriyev.

"China occupies the number one place in Russia's foreign military-technical co-operation and will retain this place in year 2004," Dmitriyev said.

According to local media, Russia and China are all set to boost co-operation in sensitive Defence areas including joint research and development of new weapon systems and their supply to third countries, a privilege so far enjoyed by India.

PTI