Putin and Xi Announce Strengthening of Russia-China Partnership

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier today, and announced strengthening of defense and trade relations, stating:

Moscow and Beijing will further deepen trust and cooperation in the military field, expand the scope of joint exercises and combat training, and conduct joint sea and air patrols on a regular basis, increase coordination and cooperation on a bilateral basis and within multilateral formats, constantly increase the potential and level of joint responding to challenges and threats.

Putin and Xi announced a “new era” of Russian and Chinese cooperation. In a joint statement released by the Kremlin, the two countries stated their partnership is in line with the fundamental interests of Russia and China, and is not confrontational against third-party countries:

Parties note that modern Russian-Chinese relations represent a more advanced form of interstate interaction compared to the military-political alliances of the times « cold wars » are not bloc and confrontational in nature, not directed against third countries. In conditions international turbulence Russian-Chinese relationships are worthily tested by swift change in the world, demonstrating strength and stability, is going through the best period in its history. Parties emphasize that the development of Russian-Chinese comprehensive relations partnerships and strategic engagement entering a new era are in line the fundamental interests of the two states and their peoples are not based on momentary interests or market calculations.

Russia claimed it supported China being involved in negotiations to settle the war in Ukraine, stating:

The Russian side positively assesses the objective and unbiased China’s position on the Ukrainian issue shares the approach according to which conflicts must be resolved on the basis of the UN Charter in its entirety and totality. Russian Party welcomes the readiness of the China Party to play constructive role in the issue of political and diplomatic settlement Ukrainian crisis.

The two countries also stressed their opposition to U.S. foreign policy, and criticized the United States for allegedly maintaining Cold War era foreign policy practices, stating:

Parties oppose US hegemonic attempts to change the balance of power in Northeast Asia by building up military power and creating military blocs and coalitions. The US still thinks categories « cold war » and guided by the logic of block confrontation, putting security « narrow groups » above regional security and stability, which creates a threat to security for all countries region. The United States must refuse such behavior manners.

Russia and China stated they are increasing diplomatic ties to Afghanistan:

The parties express their intention to increase partnership in the Afghan direction both bilaterally and multilaterally formats aimed at promoting the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent, a neutral, united and peaceful state, free from terrorism and drugs, coexisting in peace and harmony with all neighboring countries.

The U.S. and NATO were also urged to assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan:

Parties emphasize that the United States and NATO responsible for the 20-year occupation of Afghanistan, should not try to deploy a military again infrastructure in it and the contiguous region, are obliged to take on the main responsibility for the current socio-economic difficulties of the country, reaffirm support for its post-conflict reconstruction and accept everything necessary measures to unlock frozen Afghan national reserves.