Xi Jinping vows closer China-Russia ties amid global tensions
In a New Year's message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised that China and Russia are "walking hand in hand on the just path of non-engagement and avoiding confrontation." Xi also assured that he would work towards "world peace."
- In the face of rapid changes unseen for a century and a fluid international situation, China and Russia continue to move forward hand in hand on the just path of non-engagement and avoiding confrontation - Xi stated in the message to Putin on the occasion of the New Year, as reported by Chinese state television CCTV.
- Regardless of how the international situation develops, China will remain deeply committed to the global deepening of its reforms, promoting modernisation in the Chinese way, and contributing to world peace - Xi assured in the CCTV report.
China officially neutral on Ukraine issue
The AFP agency reminds us that China officially takes a neutral stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and supports a "political solution" to this war, which Beijing has never condemned. However, the USA and the EU accuse Beijing of economically supporting Russia, which is crucial for its ability to conduct the war.
Reuters notes that Xi and Putin agreed in May to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as Taiwan, Ukraine, and policies towards their common rival, the United States.
According to the Russian ambassador in Beijing, cited by the Russian agency RIA Novosti, Xi may visit Russia in 2025.
