BEIJING: China is ready to work with Russia to move the international system in a “more fair and rational direction”, a senior Chinese diplomat said, as the leaders of the two countries prepare to meet this week.
With a stormy relationship between the former Cold War allies, China and Russia have grown closer in recent years as part of what they call a “no-limits” relationship that serves as a counterweight to America’s global hegemony. does.
“Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President (Vladimir) Putin, relations between the two countries have always been on the right track,” Communist Party foreign affairs chief Yang Jiechi told Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Denisov on Monday. are,” according to a Ministry of External Affairs readout.
Yang said that China “will continue to implement the spirit of high-level strategic cooperation between the two countries, protect the common interests of both sides and promote the development of the international system in a more fair and reasonable direction.” Ready to work.” According to the Ministry.
Readout said Denisov in response praised the “conclusive results” of bilateral relations.
Russia has sought to strengthen ties with Asian countries, particularly China, since facing Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.
With tensions rising between China and the West, Beijing has not condemned Moscow’s interventions in Ukraine, and has provided diplomatic cover by flouting Western sanctions and arms sales to Kyiv.
Putin and Xi are due to meet this week on the sidelines of a regional summit in Uzbekistan.
Last week, top Beijing lawmaker Li Zhanshu became the highest-ranking Communist Party politician to travel to Russia after the Ukraine invasion.
Li praised the “unprecedented level” of trust and cooperation between Moscow and Beijing during his visit.
