China is stepping up diplomatic and defence engagement in Eurasia as its Defence Minister Dong Jun begins a multi-country visit to Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

The visit will take place from April 23 to 28, during which Dong will participate in a major meeting of defence chiefs from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, The Caspian Post reports via Chinese media.

During the trip, the Chinese defence minister is expected to hold bilateral and multilateral talks with counterparts from SCO member states. Discussions will cover:

International and regional security developments

Defence cooperation

Future military collaboration within the SCO framework