Xi Jinping said China and Russia must trust and support each other, deepen cooperation and defend mutual interests, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to its partnership with Moscow.
Meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday, Xi described the “stability” and “certainty” of China-Russia relations as particularly valuable.
He also asked Lavrov to convey his sincere regards to Vladimir Putin, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
“In the face of a once-in-a-century change, China and Russia must, through closer and more robust strategic cooperation, resolutely defend the legitimate interests of both countries,” Xi said.
He added that both nations should uphold the unity of the Global South and demonstrate the responsibilities expected of major powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
The meeting comes as Beijing steps up diplomatic engagement with multiple countries.
A number of Western leaders have visited China this year, including the prime ministers of Spain, United Kingdom and Canada, seeking to strengthen ties.
On the same day, Vietnam’s top leader To Lam met Xi in Beijing to reinforce bilateral relations amid trade pressures from the United States.
Xi and Putin are expected to hold a summit later this year to reaffirm Sino-Russian cooperation, coinciding with key anniversaries in bilateral relations, including the 2001 Treaty of Friendship.
In recent years, China has promoted what it describes as a more equal and orderly multipolar world, where all countries have a greater voice and major powers take on more responsibility.
This vision is often framed by Beijing as an alternative to what it characterises as U.S. dominance in global affairs.
(with inputs from Reuters)
