Russian and Chinese leaders exchange warm greetings on their 75th diplomatic anniversary Putin says relationship is at an unprecedented level
The relationship between China and Russia is at an all-time high, 75 years after diplomatic ties were established, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday in a letter to Chinese leader Xi Jinping marking the anniversary.
Moscow and Beijing now enjoy active political, trade and economic cooperation, the message published on the Kremlin’s website said, noting that other international players also benefit from the strong partnership.
“Today, ties between Russia and China are at an unprecedentedly high level,” Putin wrote, adding that the two governments are “effectively coordinating their efforts in regional and international affairs” to achieve “a just multipolar world order.”
The Russian president expressed confidence that agreements reached during his recent meetings with Xi will help ensure “stability and security” in Europe and Asia, and “throughout the world.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare for a group photo at the Third Belt and Road Forum on October 18, 2023 in Beijing, China. © Suo Takekuma-Pool/Getty Images
Putin and Xi Jinping met in May and July this year. Beijing has emerged as a key supporter of a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict, presenting, along with Brazil, a roadmap to ending the standoff between Moscow and Kiev. China has consistently called for a peaceful settlement to the crisis and argued that US actions and NATO expansion provoked the fighting. Trade between the two nations has also boomed since 2022.
Beijing sent its own message to Moscow on Wednesday.
“In the face of profound changes unseen in a century,” Russia and China “have continued to deepen political mutual trust, achieved remarkable results in practical cooperation,” and made “important contributions” to promoting an “orderly multi-polar world” and “inclusive economic globalization that benefits all,” the Chinese government statement said.
Putin’s message to Xi went on to note that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC), in a reference to the creation of PRC on October 1, 1949 by Communist leader Mao Zedong. In another telegram on Tuesday, Putin congratulated Xi on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC.
“It is safe to say that the close, mutually beneficial relations between Moscow and Beijing have stood the test of time,” the Russian president stated.
Russia backs China’s efforts to reconcile with the self-governing island of Taiwan. Moscow strictly follows the One-China policy, which supports Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the island.
In addition, the countries work together at various forums, including the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, on pressing international matters.
Source X/RT/Xinhua/AP