Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin have called for an end to actions that "increase tensions" and prolong the war in Ukraine. They said this during a joint statement after a meeting in Moscow on Tuesday.
Source. This was reported by CNN with reference to the Chinese state media outlet "Jenmin Zhibao".
Russia, according to the publication, responded positively to China's "objective and fair" position on Ukraine, and both sides opposed any country or group of countries harming the "legitimate security interests of other countries in pursuit of military, political or other advantages."
Russia "reaffirmed its commitment to the early resumption of peace talks and welcomed the "active role" of China in seeking a solution to the conflict in Ukraine through political and diplomatic means, including some of the measures proposed by China in its 12-point peace plan.
The two leaders said that the "legitimate security interests of all countries" must be respected when it comes to ending the war, and attempts to "add fuel to the fire" and "confrontation between blocs" must be prevented, the report said.
Xi said that over the past 10 years he has developed a close relationship with Putin
"We agreed that the relationship between our two countries goes far beyond ourselves. They are crucial to the world order and the future and fate of all mankind," Xi said.
"Since last year, China-Russia comprehensive practical cooperation has achieved great results," Xi continued, adding that trade between the two countries has increased by 116% compared to a decade ago.
Putin is ready to "take as a basis" China's proposal for a peace plan in Ukraine
"We can take China's proposal for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine as a basis when the West and Kyiv are ready for it," Putin said.
"We believe in many points of the peace plan put forward by China," he added.
Putin said he is in "constant contact" with Xi Jinping
This "allows us to find any solutions even in the most difficult situation for all problems," Putin said, calling China a "stable trading partner."
He added that China is "the main destination for Russian oil imports."
Putin also said that cooperation with China in the field of nuclear energy is expanding.
Putin called Xi Jinping a "friend" and said that all discussions at the Moscow meetings were "successful."
"All our talks today and yesterday in a face-to-face format and with delegations were successful and held in a friendly atmosphere," Putin said.
The two leaders signed a joint declaration on deepening the partnership
Putin and Xi Jinping signed a joint declaration "on key aspects of the plan for Sino-Russian economic cooperation until 2030."
Russia, Putin said, intends to ensure "uninterrupted oil supplies" to China and to sharply increase gas exports.
"The total volume of gas supplies by 2030 will be at least 98 billion cubic meters, plus 100 million tons of LNG," Putin said.
Background. As a reminder, analysts believe that China never helps for nothing, so "Xi Jinping will take whatever he can from a weakened Putin."