— Xi holds virtual meeting with Putin, pledges closer ties
BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for expanded high-level exchanges and stronger pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia during a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Extending New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, Xi noted that the meeting coincided with the Beginning of Spring on the Chinese lunar calendar, symbolising renewal and a fresh start. He expressed readiness to work with Putin to chart a new blueprint for bilateral relations.
Putin, in return, wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival, prosperity, and success in all endeavours.
Recalling their two meetings last year, Xi said China–Russia relations had entered a new phase of development. He noted that both countries commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, maintained robust economic and trade ties, expanded people-to-people exchanges, and worked together to promote a more just and equitable global governance system.
Highlighting that China has entered the period of its 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi said Beijing would further expand high-level opening up and share new development opportunities with countries around the world, including Russia.
He also pointed out that this year marks several milestones in bilateral ties, including the 30th anniversary of the China–Russia strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the launch of the China–Russia Years of Education.
Xi stressed that both sides should deepen strategic coordination and assume greater responsibility as major powers to ensure bilateral relations continue on the right path. He also underlined the need for China and Russia to work together to maintain global strategic stability amid growing international turbulence.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Xi said, both countries have a responsibility to uphold fairness and justice, safeguard the outcomes of World War II, defend the UN-centred international system, and protect the basic norms of international law.
Expressing full confidence in Russia–China relations, Putin said the two sides should continue to firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and security, as well as in advancing economic and social development. He also emphasised the importance of expanding education and cultural exchanges for the benefit of both peoples.
Amid a complex and rapidly changing global environment, Putin said Russia was ready to strengthen strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and BRICS to inject positive energy into international affairs.
He also said Russia would actively support China’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The two leaders further exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.
