China: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have signed a statement to strengthen their countries’ strategic partnership at a summit, emphasizing their relationship as a stabilizing influence in a turbulent world.
Speaking at a joint press conference on Thursday, Xi said that “China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”
The visit coincides with Russia’s purported advances on the 1,000 km (600 mi) front line, where Ukrainian forces have been hindered by delayed arms and ammunition delivery from the United States. Russia launched a fresh offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine a few days ago.
Xi had thrown a lavish ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People to greet his “old friend.” A gun salute was performed in time to the anthems of the two nations.
In their more than 40 encounters over the previous ten years, Xi informed Putin that their friendship had endured the test of time and that they had given each other “strategic guidance.”
“China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other’s good neighbour, good friend and good partner,” state news agency Xinhua reported Xi as saying.
Days before Russian President Vladimir Putin dispatched soldiers into Ukraine in February 2022, the leaders announced a “no limits” collaboration. When Xi visited Moscow in March 2023, he spoke of a “new era” in the two nations’ ties; conversely, when Putin last visited Beijing in October, Xi spoke of their “deep friendship.”
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