Chinese leaders say they are committed to pushing bilateral ties with Russia into a "new era," providing a counterbalance to the West. Now, their defense ministers are set to discuss issues of security.

Li Shangfu will travel on Sunday to Moscow for his first trip abroad in the post. He will meet with his counterpart, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Officials in Beijing are expecting the meeting will result in progress on strategic communication, joint military exercises and training.

The talks come after Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese President Xi Jinping last month and declared a "no limits" partnership.

Western leaders have looked on with concern as the two sides build closer ties. They have warned China against supplying arms to Russia, describing military assistance as a "red line."

Chinese officials have repeated their stance.

Foreign Minister Qin Gang said at a press conference on Friday, "China adopts a prudent and responsible attitude, and will not provide weapons to the relevant parties in the conflict."

Still, some Western officials remain concerned. Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, said on Thursday that it will be hard to maintain a "relationship of trust." He said they first want China to work toward a political solution based on the withdrawal of Russian troops.