Xi states stronger China-Russia ties in 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the strengthening foundation of Sino-Russian relations in 2023 during his New Year greetings exchange with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by state media.
Despite Western countries distancing themselves from Russia due to its military actions in Ukraine, the alliance between Beijing and Moscow has deepened. The personal rapport between the two leaders has been emphasized, with Xi referring to Putin as his “good friend.”
Xi, in his year-end review to Putin, expressed that the “material and public opinion foundation” of their relationship had become more robust, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Amidst unprecedented global changes and regional turbulence, Xi underscored the healthy and stable development of China-Russia relations, asserting that they have progressed in the right direction.
The Chinese leader stressed the deepening of political mutual trust, closer strategic coordination, and the continuous achievement of new results in mutually beneficial cooperation under their joint leadership.
Xi proudly mentioned that bilateral trade exceeded $200 billion ahead of schedule, and he looked forward to commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties in 2024.
During a recent visit to Beijing by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Xi reaffirmed that maintaining close ties with Moscow was a “strategic choice.”
The remarks from Xi signal the resilience and growth of the partnership between China and Russia in the face of complex international dynamics.