Beijing, 15 December 2021 (TDI): The President of China, Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, today. During the virtual meeting, Xi Jinping expressed his pleasure in meeting Vladimir Putin. The two discussed a wide array of issues pertaining to mutual interest.
This was the second virtual meeting between the two heads of the states, of this year. The Chinese President accentuated the prevalent global challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as other geopolitical changes. Consequently, the world has undergone a massive transformation.
Agenda of Virtual Meeting
He stated that China-Russia relations have stood strong during all kinds of tests to depict unique dynamism. China and Russia have communicated and coordinated in various forms on joint agenda.
The two sides officially declared the renewal of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation by making it contemporarily relevant. In addition, the two regional partners have defended each other’s core interests and national dignity.
Xi Jinping emphasized the immense potential of economic cooperation between the two countries. Bilateral trade between China and Russia in the first three quarters of this year surpassed US$100 billion for the first time.
Also, the year-round volume is anticipated to reach a new record. Moreover, the China-Russia Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation has proven to be a huge success.
Aside from that many strategically significant projects have undergone successful implementation by synergizing Belt and Road cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union.
Collaboration between Russia and China
Russia and China have jointly proven to be responsible global actors by promoting a united, global response to the COVID-19 crisis. The two actively upheld the essence of democracy and human rights, true multilateralism along fairness and justice.
In the meeting, President Xi shared that the Communist Party of China (CPC) will host its 20th National Congress, next year, while Russia will enter a crucial phase in the implementation of its national development objectives by 2030.
Ergo, the two sides ought to share prospects as per the approach of opening-up, to keep progressing the international development agenda, along with playing an active role to foster a new type of international relations that build a community with a shared future for humankind.
Furthermore, the Chinese President stated that the upcoming visit by the Russian president at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics is a concrete action to support china. President Xi urged to utilize this opportunity to forge a greater mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Likewise, he expressed optimism about the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in two years for an in-depth discourse on bilateral ties and primary regional and international matters. The two counterparts also discussed the meddling of “certain forces” in the internal affairs of China and Russia in the name of democracy.
Issues highlighted during the Meeting
Aside from the above issues international affairs, global governance, regional cooperation, feasible solutions to the pandemic, economic collaboration, renewable energy, scientific and technological revolution, climate change, and other global issues, along with upholding international fairness and justice, as well as rejecting hegemonic acts and the Cold War mentality were deliberated upon during the virtual meeting.
During the meeting, President Xi and President Putin also discussed regional cooperation as well as multilateral platforms like the SCO, BRICs, and Collective Security Treaty Organization to ensure stability and security of the region.
On cooperation at the UN Security Council, President Xi pointed out it is essential for the five permanent members of the Security Council to uphold international security and peace for the sake of increasing coordination against the coronavirus, promoting economic recovery, and actively responding to the joint expectation of the international community.
In this regard, China will closely coordinate with Russia. The Russian President on his part assured President Xi that Russia will be a staunch supporter of the Chinese government’s legitimate position regarding Taiwan.
