Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has purged the military, and Russian dictator Putin praised their ties during a video call on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin leader said relations between Moscow and Beijing were an important stabilizing factor at a time of growing global turbulence. Xi, speaking through an interpreter, urged the countries to develop a “grand plan” to further develop bilateral relations, which he said were moving in the right direction, The Japan Times reported.
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China and Russia announced a “no-holds-barred” strategic partnership just days before Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, China has become an economic lifeline for Russia, boosting trade with its northern neighbor as Western powers imposed sanctions on Moscow. Xi and Putin last met in Beijing in September, when China hosted a massive military parade that was also attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
During this meeting, Xi said that Sino-Russian relations have “withstood international turbulence” and promised to coordinate with Moscow on issues concerning their core interests.
Ukraine and Europe have accused Beijing of providing direct military assistance to Russia's military efforts. Beijing denies the accusations and says it is not a party to the conflict.
The other day, senior diplomats from the two countries met in Beijing to discuss the global security situation and other issues, and reached “broad consensus,” China's Foreign Ministry said.
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Previously, “FACTS” reported that Xi Jinping is helping Putin: China is supplying equipment for the Oreshnik hypersonic missiles.
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