Moscow and Beijing want to take a decisive stand against the USA and their partners in Europe and Asia. The aim is a “double response” to the West’s policies, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital.
Lavrov accused the US of imposing its will on other states. Therefore, Russia and China agreed to “start a dialogue and bring other like-minded countries to join us.” The stronger the conflicts with the West, the more Russia and China turn to each other. Only in March, Wang Yi announced a “new paradigm” in relations between China and Russia. Two-way trade hit a record $240 billion last year, driven by Chinese imports of Russian oil and exports of cars and electronics. Lavrov also described the relationship between the two countries as “at an all-time high.”
According to observers, Lavrov’s trip to China was also in preparation for a visit by Putin, which could take place in May. Heading to China as the first travel destination after his re-election would be a clear sign from Putin of the close partnership.
