Xi met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People. The meeting took place a day after Chinese Premier Li Qiang's talks with Mishustin in Hangzhou, during which Li emphasized China's will to strengthen cooperation with Russia and protect common security interests.
The Kremlin noted the importance of Mishustin's visit at a time when Russia is struggling with Western sanctions related to the war in Ukraine and declining trade with China. During his talks with Mishustin, Xi Jinping noted that Sino-Russian relations are developing at a higher level and in better quality, despite difficult external conditions.
Xi emphasized that it is a strategic choice for both sides to protect, strengthen and develop Sino-Russian relations. He also pointed to key sectors such as energy, agriculture, space industry, digital economy and green development, where it is possible to deepen cooperation and create new areas of growth.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, quoted by TASS, noted that it is crucial to continue creating favorable conditions for mutual investments and supporting joint projects.
On Tuesday, a joint communiqué was published on the Russian government's website, in which both countries committed to “tighten cooperation in all fields and respond appropriately to external challenges.” Russia reaffirmed its support for the “one China” principle and opposition to “Taiwan independence.”
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Donald Trump counted on China's support
The Russian-Chinese meetings took place a few days after Xi Jinping's meeting with Donald Trump. When going to Asia, the US president did not hide that he was counting on fruitful talks with China in the context of the war in Ukraine. “I would like China to help us with Russia,” said the US president, quoted by Reuters.
After the meeting, Donald Trump announced the agreement on tariffs. In a conversation with journalists, Trump revealed that the war in Ukraine was also discussed during the meeting with Xi. He said that both leaders agreed on the need to end the conflict, although – as he added – “it has no direct impact” on the situation of their countries.
— We've talked about this for a long time and we'll work together to see if we can get something done. We agree that the parties are in a clinch and fighting, and sometimes they need to be allowed to fight. It's crazy. But he is [Xi — red.] will help us and we will cooperate on Ukraine Trump said.
The president also admitted that he did not raise the issue of China's purchases of Russian oil with Xi, describing the matter as secondary. — They have been buying oil from Russia for a long time. This allows us to meet the needs of a large part of China, he added.
