Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has stressed it is important for Russia and China to counter US policy of containing the two countries.

Shoigu, who was former defense minister, met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday.

Russia's state-run news agency reported that Shoigu said the most important task for the two countries is "to counter the policy of dual containment of Russia and China pursued by the US and its satellites."

China's foreign ministry says Wang said the two countries need to maintain solidarity and coordination to safeguard their common interests.

The ministry says they comprehensively discussed strategic security issues, and reached new common understandings.

Shoigu is reportedly scheduled to visit the venue of an airshow in southern China. Russia's latest fighter aircraft is taking part in the event.

A media outlet close to the Chinese Communist Party cited an expert saying that the show is intended to promote military technology cooperation between China and Russia.

The two countries appear to be boosting ties while US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to launch his administration.