“China is ready to work with Russia,” says Xi Jinping

In the first face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion of Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that “China stands ready to work with Russia to extend strong mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests,” according to state media.

“China is also willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture and connectivity,” and the two countries should “expand pragmatic cooperation, safeguard the region’s security and interests, and preserve the common interests of developing and developing countries.” emerging countries”, said the Chinese leader.

Xi called on China and Russia to “strengthen coordination” within the Shanghai Cooperation Organizationthe Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – and “other multilateral mechanisms to promote solidarity and mutual trust among related parties,” according to Xinhua .

Putin praised China’s “balanced position” in the Ukraine war, although he admitted that Beijing had “questions and concerns” about the invasion, in what appeared to be a thinly veiled admission of its differing views on the protracted military attack.

China has so far refused to openly condemn Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine while increasing economic assistance to its neighbour, boosting bilateral trade to record levels in a boon for Russian business amid Western sanctions. .

Xi also told Putin that “China is willing to make a great effort with Russia” to “take responsibility and play a role in the midst of the chaotic and intertwined world”, adding that it will be to “provide stability to the world”.

Ahead of the meeting, Xi said he was happy to meet Putin as he “faces the changing world, changing times and changing history.”