Xi, Putin vow to strengthen strategic partnership in Beijing talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have committed to deepening their strategic ties, marking a significant development in the relationship between the two nations.

During a meeting in Beijing, Xi praised the strong partnership between China and Russia, while Putin emphasized the stability this relationship brings to the global stage.

Putin, on a two-day visit to China, described the Russia-China ties as a “stabilizing factor in the world,” stressing that the relationship is not adversarial towards any other country.

The state-run RIA Novosti news agency quoted Putin expressing appreciation for China’s efforts in seeking to resolve the Ukraine conflict. He also promised to update Xi on the latest developments regarding the situation in Ukraine.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has sparked international condemnation and a wave of Western sanctions aimed at compelling Putin to withdraw his forces. Despite the ongoing hostilities, Putin reiterated that Russia has “never refused to negotiate” a resolution and seeks a “comprehensive, sustainable and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means,” according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.

The remarks come amid ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a peace plan, and Switzerland is set to host peace talks next month, although Russia was not invited. Ukraine continues to demand a full withdrawal of Russian forces, including from territories that Russia has annexed, a move widely condemned by the international community.

China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, maintaining economic, political, and rhetorical support for Russia while refraining from condemning Moscow’s military actions.

The discussions between Xi and Putin underscore the deepening alliance between China and Russia, highlighting their shared strategic interests amid a complex global geopolitical landscape.