Putin and China Reach Unanimous Agreement on International Issues... Joint Statement Released

Xi Jinping: "China and Russia Will Play a Central Role in Practicing Genuine Multilateralism"
Putin: Model Nation of 21st Century International Relations... "Will Firmly Support Each Other for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese President Xi Jinping held a summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting China to attend the opening ceremony of the '2022 Beijing Winter Olympics,' according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 4th. President Putin, who arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport later than initially expected, met with President Xi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing around 4 p.m. that day.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Xinhua reported that the two leaders exchanged in-depth views on China-Russia relations and issues related to international strategic security during the summit.

President Xi said, "Despite the many challenges and crises humanity faces due to the current infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the bilateral relationship between our two countries has steadily developed," adding, "The two countries actively participate in the reform of the global governance system and play a pivotal role in jointly practicing genuine multilateralism."

President Xi further stated, "Together with President Putin, we are willing to plan a new blueprint for China-Russia relations and continuously cooperate in various fields." He emphasized, "Although the international situation is unfolding in a serious and complex manner, China and Russia are striving to uphold international fairness and justice."

In response, President Putin expressed, "I am very pleased to be invited to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics."

President Putin continued, "The COVID-19 pandemic has not hindered the close exchanges between President Xi and me," emphasizing, "Russia and China are the most important strategic partners and like-minded friends." He reiterated that Russia-China relations are a model for international relations in the 21st century.

President Putin also mentioned the joint statement, saying, "The joint statement released today reflects the unanimous positions of Russia and China on major international issues." He added, "Russia and China will deepen comprehensive strategic coordination to realize the development of both countries and contribute to safeguarding their common interests."

President Putin indirectly referred to issues related to Ukraine, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He stressed that Russia and China will further strengthen strategic communication and firmly support each other in sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly upholding international law, fairness, and justice.

Meanwhile, foreign media such as Reuters reported that the joint statement by China and Russia includes calls to halt NATO expansion. Opposition to NATO's eastward expansion has been a consistent demand by Russia to the United States and other NATO member countries concerning the Ukraine crisis. It is also reported that the two countries oppose the formation of military blocs and other blocs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Xinhua stated that after the summit, the two countries issued a joint statement titled "International Relations between the People's Republic of China and Russia and Global Sustainable Development in the New Era." However, the detailed contents of the joint statement have not been disclosed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.