Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Moscow’s strategic partnership with Beijing as a global “stabilizing factor.”
During a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Putin stated that Moscow and Beijing are working in the best interests of their respective populations and building their relationship on principles of equality and mutual respect.
“We have repeatedly stated with good reason that Russia-China relations, our comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, are going through the best period in their history,” the Russian leader said, adding that they are “guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty.”
Our cooperation is not directed against anyone. We do not create any blocs or alliances; we are simply acting in the interests of our people.
The Chinese president has in turn noted that his regular meetings with Putin are “not just a good tradition of ours, but also the symbol of the high level that Russian-Chinese relations enjoy.”
The leaders agreed to strengthen ties to protect the countries’ legitimate interests, with Putin calling it a “main stabilizing factor on the international stage.”
“Facing an international situation fraught with turbulence and changes, the two countries should keep upholding the original aspiration of lasting friendship, and sticking to the determination of benefiting the people,” Xi added.
Putin also pledged to support China’s chairmanship of the SCO in 2024–2025 in “every way,” calling the organization “one of the key pillars of a fair multipolar world order.”