Russia and China should stand robustly in ignoring Western interference and upholding each other’s security concerns, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping conceded in a video call on Wednesday. The call brought out how Russia and China are pulling on each other for mutual help at a time of high frictions in their relations with the West. China is under stress over human rights and Russia is condemned for intimidating behaviour towards
Ukraine.
RUSSIA AND CHINA ARE ON THE SAME PAGE
Putin and Xi heralded relations between Russia and China, with the Russian leader asserting them “a proper example of interstate cooperation in the 21st century”.The two leaders would communicate tensions in Europe and “aggressive” verbiage from the United States and NATO.
“We see very, very aggressive rhetoric on the NATO and US side, and this requires discussion between us and the Chinese", Putin said.
“A new model of alliance has been shaped between our countries, based among other things on such beliefs as not interfering in internal affairs [of each other], respect for each other’s interests, intention to turn the shared border into a belt of lasting peace and good neighbourliness,” Putin said.
Xi asserted that the Russian president “strongly supported China’s efforts to protect key national interests and firmly opposed attempts to drive a wedge between our countries.”Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told the meeting was defined to “further enhance the high-level mutual trust between the two sides”.
The pair also affirmed their “negative view” of the composition of new military coalitions such as the AUKUS pact between Australia, Britain and the United States and the Indo-Pacific ‘Quad’ of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S.
WHY RUSSIA IS ADVANCING TOWARDS CHINA?
Russia and China have encountered sanctions over their internal actions in the past – China over mishandlings against minorities, especially Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, and for its crackdown on the pro-democracy campaign in Hong Kong. Both the parties have a common foe. They want to pursue their goals relentlessly and want to avoid US sanctions entirely.
They also value each other “enormously when it comes to the diplomatic side of things,”. Pointing out the “common criticism” that they have obtained from the US and Europe.
Russia has developed closer ties with China as its relations with the West have deteriorated, and Putin has used the pact as a way of equalizing US impact while striking lucrative bargains, especially on energy. He and Xi this year approved to broaden a 20-year friendship and cooperation treaty.
Russia and China do not only work together militarily but have also enhanced ties on the diplomatic and economic fronts.
Peskov earlier announced the two leaders were anticipated to hold an extended discussion with a broad program including energy, trade and investment. China’s Xi has previously characterized Putin as his “best friend“.
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