Russian leader Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday he was keen to ramp up military cooperation and hailed the two countries’ efforts to counter Western influence.
Battered by unprecedented Western sanctions over Moscow’s assault against Ukraine, Putin wants to strengthen political, economic and military ties with China.
But Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine is a sensitive issue for Beijing, which has sought to position itself as neutral but has offered diplomatic backing to its strategic ally Russia.
The two leaders called each other “friends” as they both expressed interest in closer ties.
“We aim to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and China,” Putin told Xi by video link at the start of the talks, calling the Chinese leader a “dear friend”.
The Kremlin chief also hailed the efforts of Moscow and Beijing to counter “unprecedented Western pressure and provocations”.
“In the context of growing geopolitical tensions, the importance is growing of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership as a stabilising factor,” Putin said.
“We share the same views on the causes, course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape,” he added.
As the West seeks to cut reliance on Russian oil and gas, Putin has looked to energy markets in Asia.
“Russia has become one of the leaders when it comes to oil exports to China,” Putin said.
The Russian leader said he was expecting Xi in Moscow on a state visit next spring.
Xi, who also called Putin “my friend”, said he was satisfied by the two countries’ growing ties.
“Under our joint leadership, the China-Russia comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era is showing maturity and resilience,” he said in translated comments released by the Kremlin.
“We are ready to ramp up strategic cooperation with Russia, give each other opportunities to develop, be global partners for the benefit of the peoples of our countries and in the interests of stability in the world,” Xi said.
Referring to a “turbulent international situation,” CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, said after the talks that China and Russia should strengthen “strategic” cooperation.
“China is ready to work with Russia and all progressive forces around the world to oppose unilateralism, protectionism and bullying,” the broadcaster said.
“It has been proved repeatedly that containment and suppression are unpopular, and sanctions and interference are doomed to fail,” it added.
Related Links
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
| Tweet |
|
|
|
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook – our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don’t have a paywall – with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution. |
||
|
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal |
 |
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only |
Philippines, China move to avoid ‘miscalculation’ in disputed sea
Manila (AFP) Dec 29, 2022
The Philippines and China will establish direct communication between their foreign ministries to avoid “miscalculation and miscommunication” in the hotly disputed South China Sea, Manila said Thursday.
The deal will be signed next week during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos’s visit to Beijing where he will meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, a foreign ministry official told reporters.
Marcos has insisted he will not let China trample on the Philippines’ maritime rights in the se … read more
