CHINESE President Xi Jinping prepared a grand welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
This comes after Xi’s invitation to Putin following his re-election for a fifth term.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations.
China-Russia relationship a good example for countries—Xi
Xi stated that the relationship between Beijing and Moscow sets an example for countries worldwide to treat each other with respect and candor while pursuing their own development.
“Having lasted three quarters of a century, China-Russia relations have grown from strength to strength despite the ups and downs, and have stood the test of changing international landscape. The relationship has become a fine example for major countries and neighboring countries to treat each other with respect and candor, and pursue amity and mutual benefit,” stated Xi Jinping, Chinese President.
The Chinese president added that the relationship between their countries is not only for their own interests but also for promoting peace and prosperity worldwide.
“The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it. Steady development of China-Russia relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large,” Jinping added.
Putin shares this view, stating that their relationship is not exploitative and not against anyone.
“Relations between Russia and China are not opportunistic and not directed against anyone,” according to Vladimir Putin, Russian President.
Instead, the cooperation between the two countries can be considered one of the stabilizing factors in the international arena.
“Our cooperation in international matters is one of the stabilizing factors in the international arena,” Putin added.
Putin thanks China for peace initiatives in ending Ukraine war
Meanwhile, Putin thanked Xi Jinping for China’s proposals on ending the Ukraine war, which Ukraine and Western supporters largely rejected as aligned with the Kremlin’s stance.
“We are grateful for the initiative of our Chinese colleagues and friends to regulate the situation,” Putin stated.
China last year offered a general plan to resolve Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, without specifying how it would engage with both sides.
Beijing has emerged as a lifeline for Moscow as Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine have cut much of its access to international trade.
Before their remarks on Thursday, Putin and Xi signed a joint statement on deepening their strategic partnership.
Following this, the two presidents signed various bilateral cooperation agreements, including those related to high technology, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
Meanwhile, the United States has expressed concerns about the deepening relationship between Beijing and Moscow; the U.S. has warned China against its plan to provide military aid to Russia in its war in Ukraine.
On the trade front, U.S. President Joe Biden announced this week heavy new tariff rates totaling $18 billion on Chinese imports to protect American industries from what he calls as China’s “unfair trade practices.”
Meanwhile, according to Russian state media, Putin is expected to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang for a trade and investment expo.
