“In the best period in history”, Xi and Putin meet in Beijing

On a visit to China, the president of Russia and the country’s leader, Xi Jinping, reinforced their friendship for “several generations”. Putin arrived in Beijing this Thursday (16) for a two-day state visit.

The China-Russia relationship “is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but is also conducive to peace,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In public statements, Xi stated that he will seek to “consolidate friendship between the two peoples for generations”, as “good neighbors, friends and partners”. According to him, the bilateral relationship was “hard won”, resisting “changes in international circumstances”.

The Chinese leader said that Moscow and Beijing must act together to “defend equity and justice in the world”. Putin described the proximity between the two countries as “a factor of stability on the international stage”.

The Russian was received during a welcome ceremony in Beijing, in front of the Hall of the People, overlooking Tiananmen Square. This is his first trip abroad since taking office for a new six-year term and his second to the country in about six months.

The main theme of the visit is support for the Russian economy in the context of the war in Ukraine. China and Russia agree on the need for a “political solution”, which is “the best way forward”, said Xi Jinping.

Putin thanked his ally for his peace “initiatives” in relation to the conflict, which began in February 2022.

Krelim released a statement after a meeting in Beijing with specific references to the war in Ukraine, sovereignty in Taiwan and fighting in the Middle East.

“In conditions of international turmoil, Russian-Chinese relations stand the test of rapid changes in the world, demonstrating strength and stability, and are experiencing the best period in their history,” according to the statement.

Referring to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia said it welcomes China’s readiness “to play a constructive role” in the political and diplomatic resolution of the war.

“It is necessary to eliminate its root causes and adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security,” the statement said. “There can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be fought.”

Chinese and Russian leaders and other officials signed documents in front of the press in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. The ceremony ended with a handshake between Xi and Putin. The two have met more than 40 times since their first meeting in 2010, when Xi was still vice president (he came to power in 2013).