BEIJING, October 12. /TASS/. China is ready to cooperate with Russia to protect their shared maritime interests and ensure normal navigation in the Asia-Pacific region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

"China is ready to work together with Russia, enhance coordination between the two countries' maritime strategies, capitalize on their complementary advantages, protect each other's legitimate maritime rights and interests, maintain maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region, and ensure normal navigation along key sea routes worldwide," the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Wang Yi as saying.

Wang Yi met with Nikolay Patrushev, Russian presidential aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board, in Beijing.

The top Chinese diplomat said it was necessary to respect the sovereignty and security of states adjacent to the sea, ensure stable energy supplies, and maintain the safe operation of production and supply chains. He also highlighted the importance of broader exchanges of views on maritime and Arctic issues.

According to Wang Yi, China and Russia should harness the ocean to develop Sino-Russian relations, "contribute to improving global maritime affairs management, and promote the formation of a maritime community with a common destiny."