During a meeting in Beijing on May 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the deepening ties between their nations, describing the relationship as having reached an “unprecedentedly high level.” This assertion was made during the public portion of their discussions, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
“Today, our relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level, representing a model of truly comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction,” Putin stated.
Putin also remarked on Russia’s role as a reliable energy supplier amid ongoing crises in the Middle East, while characterizing China as a responsible consumer of energy resources.
He referred to the collaboration between Russia and China in the energy sector as a “locomotive” for economic cooperation.
“Now, as agreed with the head of state (Xi Jinping), we will begin our work by discussing key issues of bilateral interaction, primarily in the economic sphere,” he added.
Furthermore, Putin recalled that 25 years ago, a treaty on “good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation” was signed between Moscow and Beijing, asserting its continued relevance.
“This fundamental interstate document serves as the foundation for cooperation in all directions and remains fully relevant,” Putin stated.
In response, Xi highlighted the increasing significance of this treaty in light of major changes in the international environment and the risks of reverting to a “law of the jungle” scenario.
“Against this backdrop, the advanced nature, scientific grounding, and realistic value of the treaty on good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation between China and Russia are becoming even clearer,” Xi remarked.
He further asserted that both nations should strive for a “fairer and more equitable global governance system.”
“As permanent members of the UN Security Council and leading world powers, China and Russia must adhere to a long-term strategic perspective, promote their national development and rejuvenation through high-quality comprehensive strategic cooperation, and work towards building a more just and equitable global governance system,” Xi stated.
Xi characterized the current international situation as “unstable and complex,” emphasizing the prevalence of unilateral hegemony.
“However, the desire for development and cooperation remains the will of the peoples of China and Russia and is a general trend,” he added.
Additionally, Xi addressed the situation in the Middle East, calling for an urgent cessation of hostilities.
“The situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf is at a critical juncture between war and peace. It is essential to fully stop hostilities as soon as possible; a return to war is unacceptable. It is particularly important to adhere to the path of negotiations. A quicker resolution of the conflict will help mitigate negative impacts on supply stability and energy consumption, as well as on international trade order,” Xi stated.
Putin arrived in Beijing on the evening of May 19, accompanied by a delegation of 39 individuals, including ministers and representatives from Russian state corporations and businesses.
This two-day visit follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing, which concluded on May 15, during which he also met with Xi Jinping.
In a recent meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly in energy cooperation. Both leaders called for a collaborative approach to global governance amid a complex international landscape.