This was reported by the Chinese portal NetEase, RIA Novosti reports.
“At the beginning of the conversation, Shoigu addressed Admiral Dong with the phrase “dear comrade,” and then greeted him in Chinese,” the publication says.
According to the agency, such an act by the Russian minister “had a strong effect” in the PRC, where the word “comrade” is given great importance.
Earlier, Shoigu said that Russia and China are developing relations in the military sphere in all areas.
Also in China they said that they feel strong support from Russia on the Taiwan issue.