Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the steady expansion of economic cooperation between Russia and China during a video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, calling the partnership strategic and mutually beneficial. The talks come amid simultaneous engagements between China and Western leaders, although the two sides remain divided over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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According to the Associated Press, Putin said that cooperation in the energy field is a key pillar of bilateral relations, calling it “real strategic cooperation.” He said that Russia and China also actively cooperate in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the development of high-tech projects, including industrial production and space research.In a speech broadcast on Russian state television, Putin said Moscow firmly supports joint efforts to protect the sovereignty and security of both countries. “I want to reassure you of our unwavering support for our joint efforts to ensure the sovereignty and security of our countries, our socio-economic well-being and the right to choose our own development path,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
Xi Jinping calls for deepening strategic cooperation
Xi Jinping said in his opening remarks translated by Russian media that the two leaders would discuss a “grand blueprint for developing bilateral relations” and exchange views on major strategic issues. He said China and Russia should take advantage of what he called a “historic opportunity” to further deepen strategic cooperation, the Associated Press reported.Putin also welcomed China’s decision to allow visa-free entry for Russian citizens and emphasized cooperation in energy, nuclear power, space and high-tech industries. When referring to the traditional Chinese calendar, he pointed out that this day marks the beginning of spring, and said that “Russia-China relations are spring in any season.”Putin described Russia-China relations as a “stabilizing” factor at a time of global turmoil, praising the “exemplary” nature of the partnership. He emphasized strong trade ties and noted that Russia has shifted its exports to Asia after facing widespread Western sanctions over its 2022 offensive in Ukraine.Although China has not condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine or called for its troop withdrawal, many of Ukraine’s allies believe Beijing has provided support to Moscow. Still, Putin made no mention of Ukraine during the call, even as Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators held separate talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the conflict.
China balances Western outreach and relations with Moscow
The call comes as several Western leaders step up engagement with Beijing. The British and Canadian prime ministers visited China last month, and the German chancellor is expected to visit Beijing later this month. European leaders have long urged China to use its influence to contain Russia, but Beijing has continued to trade with Moscow and has received some relief from Western sanctions.In addition to recent diplomatic exchanges, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu visited Beijing over the weekend and met with China’s top foreign policy official Wang Yi. Both sides agreed that Russia and China should maintain close ties in what they described as a volatile global environment, state media reported.Putin’s call with Xi was widely seen as a signal that China’s strategic alliance with Russia remains strong despite its outreach to Western countries.