In a show of unwavering camaraderie, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin came together for a series of talks during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) held in Beijing. Their discussions centered on reinforcing the profound relationship between China and Russia and the significant strides made in their partnership.
President Xi underlined the continuous deepening of political mutual trust between China and Russia, emphasizing the close and effective strategic coordination that the two countries have maintained. Bilateral trade between the two nations has surged to historic highs and is making substantial progress toward the ambitious goal of $200 billion set by both sides.
In their remarkable decade-long association, President Xi noted that he and President Putin have met 42 times, marking the development of a strong working relationship and a deep friendship. Putin’s participation in the BRF for the third consecutive time demonstrates Russia’s unwavering support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Commending Russia’s pivotal role in international Belt and Road cooperation, President Xi highlighted the tangible benefits brought to both nations through major infrastructure projects like the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline. Xi expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with Russia and other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries in aligning the strategies of the BRI and EAEU, fostering deeper regional cooperation.
Additionally, Xi expressed the hope for significant progress in the China-Mongolia-Russia natural gas pipeline project. He reaffirmed that building a China-Russia relationship characterized by permanent good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation is not merely a short-term strategy but a long-term commitment.
President Xi stressed China’s support for Russia’s path toward national rejuvenation and the safeguarding of national sovereignty, security, and development interests. He urged the two nations to promote high-quality practical cooperation, explore opportunities in strategic emerging industries, and leverage the upcoming 2024-2025 China-Russia Culture Year to enhance cultural exchange activities.
Furthermore, President Xi called for joint efforts to uphold international fairness and justice. He acknowledged the historic expansion of BRICS as a testament to the confidence of developing nations in fostering a multipolar world and democratizing international relations. Xi pledged to deepen communication and collaboration with Russia within multilateral frameworks.
Both leaders acknowledged their shared responsibility in addressing global issues such as food and energy security, maintaining the stability of the global industrial supply chain, and safeguarding the common interests of China and Russia, as well as those of the region and developing countries.
President Putin, in his response, praised the Belt and Road Initiative as an internationally acclaimed public good, expressing the hope that more countries will participate. He emphasized Russia’s readiness to work closely with China within multilateral mechanisms like BRICS to protect the international system based on international law and promote a more just and rational system of global governance.
Furthermore, Putin reiterated Russia’s firm adherence to the one-China policy, acknowledging that there is only one China in the world, with Taiwan being an inalienable part of China’s territory. He voiced staunch support for China’s endeavors to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In their discussions, the two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Palestine and Israel. Their meeting underscores the enduring strength of the Sino-Russian partnership and the important role both nations play in shaping global diplomacy and cooperation.
