BEIJING (AP) — In a Wednesday diplomatic meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping described the steadiness and reliability of China-Russia relations as especially valuable given today’s turbulent global environment marked by instability and disorder.
Meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, Xi emphasized how the robust energy and model character of the friendship agreement between both nations becomes even more significant against this backdrop of international turmoil.
The Chinese leader stated that diplomatic departments from both nations must fully execute the agreements made between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for enhanced strategic dialogue and tight diplomatic cooperation. Xi also called on officials to advance the broad strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow to “stand higher, walk more steadily and go further.”
While Xi highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between the two powers, he did not elaborate on his references to disorder and shifts in the global situation, as questions remain about the duration of the Iran conflict.
In footage from a Fox Business Network interview, U.S. President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that the conflict was “close to over.” Trump has consistently claimed American success in Iran since hostilities began, though conditions on the ground remain much more complex.
The bond between China and Russia has strengthened significantly in recent years, especially after Russia’s military action in Ukraine began in early 2022. Trump’s unconventional handling of the Ukraine conflict has introduced new dynamics to the relationship but appears not to have altered its fundamental nature.
During Putin’s September visit to China, Xi greeted his counterpart as an “old friend,” while Putin also referred to Xi as “dear friend.”
Lavrov began a two-day visit to China on Tuesday following an invitation from his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
