Russia: Vladimir Putin wants to strengthen military cooperation with China
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing on February 4 © ALEXEI DRUZHININ / AP
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday December 30 that he hoped for a state visit from his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the spring of 2023. A meeting which he said would be a demonstration of solidarity between the two countries.
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"
We are expecting you, Mr. President, dear friend, we are expecting you next spring for a state visit to Moscow
," said Vladimir Putin, introducing a videoconference between the two leaders.
This visit would "
demonstrate to the whole world the closeness of Russian-Chinese relations
", he added.
For nearly eight minutes, Vladimir Putin insisted on the importance of relations between Beijing and Moscow, as a source of stability.
"
In the context of unprecedented pressure and provocations from the West, we defend our positions of principle
", welcomed Vladimir Putin.
According to him, "
the coordination between Moscow and Beijing on the international scene
[...]
serves the creation of a just world order based on international law
".
The Russian president then stressed that the two powers "
intend to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of Russia and China
".
"
Military and technical cooperation that contributes to the security of our countries and the maintenance of stability in key regions has a special place
" in Russian-Chinese cooperation, he added.
In response, Xi Jinping said China stands ready to increase strategic cooperation with Russia amid the global environment which he called "
difficult
".
A geopolitical counterweight
Relations between Russia and China, which the two sides have presented as a "
limitless
" strategic partnership , have taken on a
whole new dimension
since the start of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.
While Western countries have imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, China has refrained from publicly condemning the war in Ukraine, instead emphasizing the need to restore peace.
It has so far been careful not to provide material support to Russia, thus avoiding jeopardizing its relations with its main trading partners, Europe and the United States.
Moscow and Beijing nevertheless present themselves as a
geopolitical counterweight
to the United States and its allies.
They have conducted several joint military exercises in recent months, including naval maneuvers this week in the East China Sea.
Russia is also trying to increase its gas deliveries to the Chinese economy, a major consumer of hydrocarbons, especially as the Europeans are determined to get rid of their Russian energy dependence.
►Also read: China-Russia: a stronger relationship economically, but which remains imperfect
(With
AFP
)
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Russia
China
Vladimir Poutine
Xi Jinping