Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met face-to-face for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The two leaders also exchanged views on issues surrounding Ukraine and Taiwan, emphasizing their stance of strengthening solidarity with a view to the United States, which is in conflict with them.
President Xi Jinping and President Putin held a meeting on the night of the 15th Japan time in conjunction with the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan in Central Asia.
This is the first time that the two leaders have met face-to-face since Russia's military invasion of Ukraine in February.
"We highly appreciate China's balanced position on the Ukraine crisis," Putin said at the beginning of the meeting.
On top of that, he said, "We understand China's concerns. Today, I would like to explain Russia's position in detail."
On the other hand, President Xi emphasized his stance of strengthening ties with Russia, stating, "In the face of drastic changes in the world, times, and history, China will play the role of a great power and take the lead together with Russia." .
According to China's foreign ministry, Xi said at the meeting that "China hopes to strongly support Russia and each other on issues related to the core interests of both sides," reiterating that Taiwan is part of China. about it.
Regarding this, President Putin said, ``We strongly support the principle of ``one China'' and condemn the provocations made by the United States and others in the Taiwan Strait,'' making it clear that he supports China's position.