Russian President, Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing early on Thursday, May 16, 2024 for a state visit.
By picking China for his first foreign trip since being sworn in for a six-year term that will keep him in power until at least 2030, Putin is thought to be sending a message to the world about his priorities and the depth of his personal relationship with Xi.
Chinese Leader, Xi Jinping welcomed Putin. They shook hands at a welcoming ceremony outside central Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Members of the People’s Liberation Army stood at attention while artillery fired a multi-gun salute during the ceremony.
The national anthems of both countries blared out as the two leaders met, while dozens of large Russian and Chinese flags fluttered around Tiananmen Square amid police patrols.
Putin said that he was “happy to be in China among our friends.”
In televised remarks, Xi noted that the two leaders had met more than 40 times, but that the China-Russia relationship had “not come easily” and was “worth cherishing and safeguarding by both sides.”
“In our new journey we intend to remain good neighbours, trusted friends and reliable partners, consistently strengthening the relationship between our two nations … defending international equality.”
Xi Jinping
During his meeting with Xi, Putin stated that Russia-China cooperation is not “opportunistic” and not directed against anyone.
“Our cooperation in world affairs today acts as one of the main stabilising factors in the international arena.
“Together, we uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and is based on international law.”
Vladimir Putin
Also, Putin noted that the “timely” decision of Russian and Chinese authorities to make settlements in their national currencies beefed up trade between the countries.
“Today, 90% of all payments are already made in roubles and yuan,” he said.
Russia has become increasingly economically dependent on China, after western sanctions imposed after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine cut its access to much of the international trading system.
Putin added that both countries would also try to establish closer cooperation in the fields of “industry and high technology, space and peaceful nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy sources and other innovative sectors.”
Xi And Putin Sign Joint Statement
Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping signed a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between their nations.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Xi said, “China is willing to … jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”
“China and Russian will adhere to the principles of non-alignment and non-confrontation against third countries. China and Russia will deepen political mutual trust. China and Russia will support the emergence of a multipolar world.
“China and Russia demonstrate an example of building a new type of relationship and connections between neighbours. China and Russia defend a world order based on international law.”
Xi Jinping
Xi said that China hopes for the speedy restoration of peace and stability in Europe. He said his country would continue to play a constructive role.
Putin expressed gratitude to Xi for efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine.
Putin asserted that business contacts between Russia and China are “reliably protected from the negative influence of third countries.”
He also said that Russian and Chinese banks would be strengthening their contacts.
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