Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Moscow for talks with President Putin, focusing on the Ukraine conflict and strengthening China-Russia ties. He emphasized their friendship as a foundation for strategic cooperation and welcomed improved U.S.-Russia relations. Wang offered China’s support for resolving the Ukraine conflict while underlining Russia’s interests, as both nations seek to enhance their alliance.
In Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in significant discussions with President Vladimir Putin regarding various topics, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine and the bilateral relationship between Russia and China. Wang asserted that China and Russia are “friends forever, never enemies,” highlighting this sentiment as a cornerstone for enhancing strategic cooperation.
During his visit, Wang expressed approval of the gradual improvement in relations between the United States and Russia. Furthermore, he emphasized that the principle of their enduring friendship provides a reliable foundation for further strategic endeavors.
Wang’s trip, taking place over three days, underscores the close ties between the two nations, which fortified their alliance shortly before the Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022. Chinese President Xi Jinping has engaged with Putin over 40 times in the past decade, committing to deeper collaboration on contentious issues like Taiwan and their mutual opposition towards the United States.
Wang positioned China as willing to facilitate a constructive role towards resolving the Ukraine conflict while continuing to support Russia’s interests. He expressed a commitment to contribute positively to global peace and development, reflecting on shared goals between China and Russia.
President Putin articulated his satisfaction regarding the growth of their relationship and indicated anticipation for a comprehensive program during Xi’s upcoming visit to Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the Victory Parade commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Wang highlighted that the current global landscape necessitates major powers to act as stabilizing forces, which is promising given the recent efforts by Russia and the U.S. to improve bilateral relations. He dismissed any notion of Trump’s support for Russia as an attempt to pit it against China, criticizing this viewpoint as outdated.
Reiterating the progress made in ceasefire discussions in Ukraine, Wang remarked on the constructive nature of these developments, urging continued dialogue despite existing challenges. He reaffirmed that peace requires diligent effort and should be pursued steadily.
Xi has long advocated for China’s engaged role in peace discussions, asserting neutrality in the conflict while denouncing lethal assistance to either party, contrary to Western nations. Despite proposing principles for conflict resolution, China’s proposals have garnered lukewarm responses globally, amidst perceptions of its close alignment with Russia.
In summary, Wang Yi’s visit to Moscow reinforces the strong and enduring partnership between China and Russia, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This relationship is anchored in mutual support and a shared vision for global stability, as underscored by the recent discussions on strategic cooperation and peace initiatives. Both nations appear committed to advancing their alliance and addressing the complexities surrounding the geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
