Putin Says Russia–China Ties at “Unprecedented High Level” During Meeting With Xi

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping during talks in Beijing that relations between the two countries have reached an “unprecedentedly high level.”

According to Xi’s China correspondent, the Chinese leader is keen to project closeness with Moscow, while still maintaining some distance, as Russia’s war in Ukraine has placed Beijing in a diplomatically sensitive position.

Despite Western sanctions on Moscow, China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil and an important strategic partner. Some analysts argue that without Chinese financial support and technology, the stability of Putin’s government could be at risk.

A major topic expected on the agenda is a proposed new gas pipeline to China, which could supply up to 50 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually, further deepening energy cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Putin said Russia and China should continue to “develop cooperation” and work together on international platforms, likely referring to groups such as BRICS, where both countries are members.

Xi responded by reaffirming China’s commitment to the “long-term, healthy and stable development” of bilateral relations, saying that mutual trust between the two sides is strengthening.

Chinese state media also reported Xi saying that China–Russia relations have entered a “new stage of faster development,” while Putin described the talks as “substantial” and called the partnership “exemplary.” He added that the goal of cooperation is the well-being of both the Russian and Chinese people.

The meeting, described as a “wide-format session,” was scheduled to begin at noon local time but started nearly an hour later.  (Source: BBC)