BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the strength of their nations’ relationship as a stabilizing force in a chaotic world as they met on Thursday in Beijing, where the Russian president is seeking greater Chinese support for his war effort in Ukraine, AFP reported.
Putin’s visit, his first trip abroad since his re-election in March and the second in just over six months to China underscores the strategic importance of China as a key ally for Russia, particularly in light of Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its actions in Ukraine.
The grand welcoming ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People set the tone for the talks, with Xi greeting Putin as an “old friend”, footage by state broadcaster CCTV showed. During their meeting, Xi emphasized the significance of China-Russia relations in promoting peace and upholding principles of fairness and justice on the global stage. Xi told his “old friend” Putin that China-Russia relations were “conducive to peace”. “China is ready to work with Russia to… uphold fairness and justice in the world,” Xi added.
Putin declared the partnership between their countries as a stabilizing force that adheres to the principles of a democratic world order based on international law. “Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and not directed against anyone,” Putin said, according to a Kremlin readout. “Together, we uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and is based on international law,” he added.
Following their meeting, Xi and Putin signed a joint statement aimed at deepening their “comprehensive strategic partnership,” signaling a commitment to further cooperation across various domains. Notably, the statement also included a pledge to oppose any “further escalation” of the conflict in Ukraine. This pledge indicates alignment between Russia and China on the Ukraine issue.
In a statement to the media following talks with Putin, Xi said the two sides agreed on the need for a “political solution” to resolving the war. “China’s position on this issue has always been clear,” Xi said in footage broadcast by Russian TV.
That position included “respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries” as well as “respecting the reasonable security concerns of all sides”, the Chinese leader added.
Despite accusations from the West regarding China’s alleged support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, both leaders reiterated their commitment to a political solution to the conflict. Xi emphasized China’s stance on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. He also acknowledged the need to address the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved.
Putin expressed gratitude for Beijing’s efforts to help resolve the Ukraine crisis and raised concerns about growing security cooperation between the United States and its allies in Asia. He warned against the formation of “harmful” military alliances in the region.
The meeting also underscored the robust economic ties between China and Russia, with bilateral trade reaching $240 billion in 2023. However, recent challenges, including a decline in Chinese exports to Russia and efforts by the United States to target financial institutions facilitating transactions with Moscow, pose potential hurdles to further collaboration between Beijing and Moscow.
On Thursday afternoon, the Russian leader met Premier Li Qiang — China’s number two official — who said Beijing was willing to “continue to deepen cooperation in various fields”.
Putin and Xi then attended a ceremony celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijing, Xinhua said.
Putin’s post-election trip to Beijing echoes Xi’s own visit to Russia after his re-anointing as leader last year. The Russian leader is due to travel to the northeastern city of Harbin for a trade and investment expo on Friday.
