Chinese President Xi Jinping praised relations between Beijing and Moscow in a New Year’s message to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
“In the face of rapid changes not seen in a century and a turbulent international situation, China and Russia continue to advance hand in hand on the righteous path of non-alignment and non-confrontation”Xi Jinping said in his message to the Russian leader, according to a report published by state television CCTV.
China presents itself as neutral in the conflict in Ukraine, and officially supports a “political settlement” of the conflict, which Beijing has never condemned. But the Americans and Europeans accuse him of offering Russia crucial economic support for its war effort.
“No matter how the international situation develops, China will remain firmly committed to comprehensively deepening reforms, promoting modernization with Chinese characteristics and contributing to world peace”declared Xi Jinping in his address, according to CCTV.
The two leaders share a strong personal bond, with Xi Jinping calling his Russian counterpart a “best friend”while Vladimir Putin describes his Chinese partner as“reliable ally”.
According to CCTV, Xi reminded the Russian leader that 2024 marks the 75the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijing, “an important milestone in relations between the two countries”. “After 75 years of ups and downs, relations between China and Russia have gradually become more mature and more stable”added Xi Jinping.
