Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian President Vladimir Putin today that the road to peace talks on Ukraine will not be smooth and that China will continue to uphold its “objective and fair stance” on the issue.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said in a statement that China and Russia should closely coordinate and cooperate on international affairs, and stressed Russia’s willingness to engage in negotiations on Ukraine.
“The Chinese side noted that the Russian side has never refused to resolve the conflict through diplomatic negotiations, and expressed its appreciation,” Xi Jinping was quoted as saying in a CCTV video call.
Xi Jinping and Putin have grown closer in recent years over a shared distrust of the United States and its allies. The announcement of a “borderless” strategic partnership in early February set off alarm bells for the West.
But after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February, China publicly insisted it was in no way supporting the conflict. And in September, after the Russian military suffered several setbacks on the battlefield, Putin publicly acknowledged questions and concerns about the war.
Speaking on Russian television today, Putin said he aimed to strengthen military cooperation with China. But the CCTV report of the call made no mention of military cooperation.
Five Best Apps to Save Website Passwords
The “no-limits” interpretation of Sino-Russian relations is not in favor in Beijing, at least publicly, as it seeks to circumvent Western sanctions to aid Russia’s war efforts. However, the Chinese president clarified the ideological connection between China and Russia today. Both said they were on the same side as they opposed what they perceived as a hegemonic US-led West.
Is it like this abroad? North Indians hit by a volley in a flying plane
In this situation, America commented on the friendship between China and Russia. A US State Department spokesperson said, “China says it is neutral. But its behavior makes clear it is still investing in closer ties with Russia. The US is closely monitoring China’s activities,” he said.