Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing was ready to ramp up political cooperation with Moscow on Friday, during a virtual meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, according to a Russian state media translation of their call.
“Against the background of a difficult international situation, China is ready to increase political cooperation with Russia [and] to be global partners,” Xi said, according to the Russian state media report.
Friday’s video conference between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin began by reaffirming their mutual partnership.
Putin stated during his opening remarks, which were aired on Russian state television, that the stabilizing influence of the Russia-China partnership was becoming even more crucial in light of the rising geopolitical tensions.
“We share the same views on the causes, course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape.
“In the face of unprecedented pressure and provocations from the West, we defend our principled positions; and defend not only our own interests, but also all those who stand for a truly democratic system; and the right of countries to freely determine their own destiny,” Putin said.
Putin also said that the two countries would strengthen cooperation between their armed forces. “We intend to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and China.”
He added that relations between the Russian Federation and China were “the best in history” and could “withstand all tests”. In addition, Putin invited Xi to Moscow in the spring of 2023.
