The presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putinand China, Xi Jinpingagreed today in a telephone conversation to increase economic cooperation in the face of what they called “illegitimate Western sanctions”.
“It was agreed to increase cooperation in the energy, financial, industrial, transport and other spheres given the consequences of the West’s illegitimate sanction policy and the situation in the global economy,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
Putin and Xi noted that bilateral relations are at “a high level” and “unprecedented” in history, but advocated continuing to deepen strategic cooperation “in all areas.”
In particular, they highlighted that commercial exchanges will reach historical maximums this year, without specifying.
Negotiations ahead of the summit
In addition to emphasizing that Moscow y Beijing share positions when it comes to defending international law and the construction of a multipolar world and a fair system of international relations, recalled that on June 24 the summit of the BRICS group will be held, chaired by Beijing.
With respect to UkraineXi stressed the “legitimacy” of actions taken by Russia to defend its national interests in the face of external forces creating challenges to its security.
Until now, China has avoided using the word invasion to refer to the Russian military campaign in Ukraine and has expressed its opposition to Western sanctions imposed on Russia, under the premise that “they do not bring peace and security” but “serious economic difficulties” to “the inhabitants of the affected countries.”
Despite the good relations between the two countries, China has denied that it is considering providing military support and economic assistance to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has denied that Russia has even asked it, as various US media have assured.
(With information from EFE)