BEIJING: As the presidents of the two nations prepare to meet this week, a top Chinese official said China is eager to change the world order alongside Russia in a “more reasonable and logical path.”
China and Russia, once tumultuous Cold War partners, have grown closer recently as part of what they refer to as a “no boundaries” alliance that serves as a check on American control of the world.
According to a readout from the foreign ministry, Yang Jiechi, the head of the Communist Party’s foreign affairs department, said to Andrey Denisov, Russia’s ambassador to China, on Monday, “Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President (Vladimir) Putin, the relationship between the two countries has always moved forward on the right track.”
According to the ministry, Yang declared that China was “willing to cooperate with Russia to continuously implement the spirit of high-level strategic cooperation between the two countries, safeguard the common interests of both sides, and promote the development of the international order in a more just and rational direction.”
The summary stated that in response, Denisov commended the “fruitful outcomes” of bilateral cooperation.
Since facing unprecedented Western sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has worked to improve relations with Asia, especially China.
The fact that Beijing has not denounced Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine and has offered diplomatic cover by criticising Western sanctions and weaponry shipments to Kiev has increased tensions between China and the West.
This week, Putin and Xi are scheduled to meet in Uzbekistan as part of a conference of regional nations.
Li Zhanshu, the senior lawmaker in Beijing, made history last week when he visited Russia as the highest-ranking Communist Party official since the invasion of Ukraine.
Li praised the “exceptional degree” of trust and collaboration between Moscow and Beijing during his visit.
