Russia's defense minister has expressed eagerness to strengthen cooperation with China and build ties with other countries to counter Europe and the United States.

Sergei Shoigu gave a speech on Monday at an international security forum hosted by an organization related to Chinese military in Beijing.

He said the ties between Russia and China are "exemplary" and becoming more attractive to other nations.

Shoigu noted "the circle of friends and like-minded people who do not want to be drawn into the confrontational agenda imposed by the collective West is invariably expanding."

The minister added, "Russia is open to discussing and resolving any security issues if the dialogue is fair."

Shoigu stressed that Moscow is ready for discussions based on reality about a post-conflict resolution of the war in Ukraine and further coexistence with the West.

But he added "fruitful negotiations in this area are unlikely unless the West revises its destructive policy, which involves inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia."