The Kremlin said in a statement that Xi had “noted the legitimacy” of Russia’s actions in order to protect itself “in the face of external security challenges posed by external forces”. Both leaders reportedly also agreed that Sino-Russian relations were at an “unprecedentedly high level” and that they planned to deepen ties in energy, economics and industry. China has refused to criticize or even refer to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in such terms, while accusing NATO and the West of provoking Moscow to attack. Weeks before the Russian attack, Putin and Xi met in Beijing to oversee the signing of an agreement pledging that relations between the two sides would have no “limits”. Image: Russian forces lead to the Ukrainian port of Mariupol It is unclear whether Mr Xi knew at the time of Russia’s plan to invade Ukraine. At that meeting, the two leaders resisted US pressure, stating their opposition to any NATO expansion and reaffirming the island of Taiwan as part of China. The United States has a “One China” policy, which means it is committed to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. In addition, the Taiwan Relations Act means that the United States will provide Taiwan with military means to defend itself. Beijing, for its part, insists that self-governing Taiwan is an integral part of its territory. He has pledged to “reunite” with the island by peaceful means, although he has not renounced the use of force to achieve it. Read more: Taiwan: Where a young democracy sits next to an authoritarian giant, in a mirror of Europe In a phone call Wednesday, the leaders also discussed deeper co-operation in energy, finance and industry, as Moscow faces unprecedented Western sanctions on Ukraine. “It was agreed to extend cooperation to energy, economics, industry, transport and other sectors, given the global economic situation, which has become more complicated by the West’s illegal sanctions policy,” the Kremlin said. They also discussed the further development of their military ties. In the official reading, Xi told Putin that China “is willing to work with the Russian side to promote the stable and long-term development of bilateral realistic cooperation.” The official Xinhua state news agency said: “China is willing, together with Russia, to continue to support each other on issues of fundamental interest and major concern such as sovereignty and security.” While offering its tacit support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China has tried to appear neutral and avoid possible repercussions of supporting the Russian economy amid international sanctions. Moscow and Beijing have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose liberal democratic forces in Asia, Europe and beyond, advocating authoritarian rule with tight borders and minimal respect for freedom of speech, minority rights or the politics of the opposition.
