The relationship between Russia and China has been on full display as President Vladimir Putin held talks with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in the Kremlin. Images showed the two exchanging a firm handshake and sitting across the table from each other. Wang’s visit comes nearly a year after Putin ordered troops into neighbouring Ukraine, sparking a conflict that has left thousands dead and millions displaced.
Putin noted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in light of the escalating international tensions. He said that ties between China and Russia had reached “new frontiers”, and confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping might soon travel to Moscow for a summit. Beijing has not condemned Moscow over the war, despite the US and NATO expressing concern that China might provide arms or other support to Russia’s war.
Wang emphasised that both countries support “multipolarity and democratisation of international relations”, a reference to their shared goal of countering US dominance in global affairs. He also said that Chinese-Russian relations are not directed against any third countries and cannot be subject to pressure from any third countries.
Earlier on Wednesday, Wang held talks with Russia’s foreign minister. Lavrov said that ties between the two countries have continued to develop dynamically and that they are ready to speak in defence of each other’s interests.
At a meeting of the UN General Assembly to mark the first anniversary of the war, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Russia’s invasion as a violation of the UN Charter and international law. The General Assembly is set to vote later on Thursday on a resolution put forward by Ukraine and supporters, stressing “the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in line with the UN Charter.
Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzya, told the assembly that Moscow had been left with “no other option” but to ensure “the safety and security of our country, using military means”. Ukraine and its supporters hope to deepen Russia’s diplomatic isolation by securing the support of nearly three-quarters of the assembly.
The relationship between Russia and China has been on full display as President Vladimir Putin held talks with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in the Kremlin. Putin noted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in light of escalating international tensions, saying ties had reached “new frontiers”. Wang emphasised that both countries support “multipolarity and democratisation of international relations”, a reference to their shared goal of countering US dominance in global affairs.
Earlier on Wednesday, Wang held talks with Russia’s foreign minister. Lavrov said that ties between the two countries have continued to develop dynamically and that they are ready to speak in defence of each other’s interests. At a meeting of the UN General Assembly to mark the first anniversary of the war, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Russia’s invasion as a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Ukraine and its supporters hope to deepen Russia’s diplomatic isolation by securing the support of nearly three-quarters of the assembly for a resolution stressing “the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in line with the UN Charter. Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzya, defended Moscow’s actions, saying they had been left with “no other option” but to ensure “the safety and security of our country, using military means”.
Beijing has not condemned Moscow over the war, despite US and NATO expressing concern that China might provide arms or other support to Russia’s war. Wang emphasised that Chinese-Russian relations are not directed against any third countries and cannot be subject to pressure from any third countries. Some analysts say while China has emphasised its close ties with Moscow, it is also wary of escalating tensions with the West when it needs to boost its economy after lockdowns due to COVID-19.