Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reaffirmed their countries’ strong partnership during their second meeting in less than two months. The leaders met on the sidelines of a security summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Putin praised the relationship between Russia and China as being “at their best in history.”
Putin emphasized that the partnership is built on principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for sovereignty, highlighting Moscow’s deepening alignment with Beijing. Xi Jinping echoed these sentiments, expressing his happiness at the ongoing collaboration between the two nations.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi stressed the importance of strategic coordination between China and Russia, emphasizing their joint opposition to external interference and support for each other’s global roles. Xi also expressed China’s support for Russia’s duties as the rotating chair of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), aimed at uniting nations from the Global South and countering pressures for a new Cold War.
Addressing international conflicts, Xi reiterated China’s stance on Ukraine, asserting that China stands on the “right side of history” and supports peaceful resolutions and political negotiations. This meeting comes as Putin has been expanding his diplomatic engagements in Asia, including recent visits to North Korea and Vietnam, where nuclear policy discussions were prominent.
Both leaders have faced criticism from Western nations, particularly the US and NATO, over their military policies and nuclear posturing. Despite this scrutiny, China and Russia have intensified efforts to broaden their influence through regional groupings like the BRICS bloc and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Belarus is expected to become the 10th member of the SCO, which includes countries aligning with China’s regional influence goals.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attendance at the summit and discussions with Putin underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics, with Turkey navigating its role between NATO and relations with Russia amid ongoing conflicts, including Ukraine.
Xi Jinping recently emphasized the importance of developing nations from the Global South working together to promote international stability and peace, positioning China and Russia as key players in shaping global affairs outside of Western influence.
The ongoing dialogue between Putin and Xi reflects their strategic alliance amid global uncertainties, aiming to bolster their geopolitical positions and counterbalance Western dominance in international relations.
Sources By Agencies
