A separate reading from the Kremlin said the two leaders stressed that their countries’ relations “were at an all-time high” and reaffirmed their commitment to “a consistent deepening of the overall partnership”. The call is considered the second time the two leaders have spoken since Russia invaded Ukraine. They also spoke a few days after Moscow launched what it insists calls a “special military operation.” China has also refrained from referring to Russia’s actions as an invasion and has followed a fine line on the issue. He has presented himself as calling for peace and supporting the world order, while refusing to denounce Russia’s actions. It has also used its state media mechanism to emulate the Kremlin lines that blame the United States and NATO for the crisis. During Wednesday’s call, Xi stressed that China has always “independently assessed the situation” in Ukraine and called on “all parties” to push for a “proper settlement of the Ukrainian crisis” – echoing the language it used in a March conversation with US President Joe Biden. China is “willing to continue to play its part” in promoting a “proper solution” in Ukraine, he said. A summary of the Kremlin’s call went one step further, saying “the Chinese president has noted the legitimacy of Russia’s actions to protect its fundamental national interests in the face of external security challenges.”
Trade links
Wednesday’s phone call was also an opportunity for the two leaders to take control of the growing trade relationship. Earlier this year, weeks before the Russian invasion, the two leaders said in a face-to-face meeting that their countries had an “unlimited” partnership and pledged to boost trade. “Since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have maintained a healthy growth momentum in the face of global turmoil and transformation,” Xi said in a call on Wednesday. “The Chinese side is ready to work with the Russian side to push for a stable and long-term development of practical bilateral cooperation,” Xi said, noting the “steady progress” in their trade ties and the opening of the first crossroads last week. -bridor border bridge over the river Amur. The two agreed to expand co-operation in energy, economics, manufacturing and other sectors, “given the global economic situation, which has become more complicated by the West’s illegal sanctions policy,” the Kremlin said in a statement. The two countries also pledged to work together to strengthen communication and coordination in international bodies such as the United Nations – where the two often vote as blocs. “China is also willing to work with Russia to promote solidarity and co-operation between emerging market countries; and to push for the development of international order and world governance in a more just and rational direction,” he said. Si, in a comment that struck. on the common goal of countries to repel what they consider to be US world hegemony.
Birthday wishes
The phone call was not the first time Xi and Putin – two powerful men linked to mutual distrust of the West – have been engaged to each other on their birthdays. In 2013, Xi gave Putin a birthday cake and the two drank vodka together to celebrate the Russian leader’s 61st birthday during a conference in Indonesia. Xi later celebrated his 66th birthday during a 2019 summit in Tajikistan with Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, cake and champagne. Their personal relationship, in which Xi has described Putin as his “best and best friend,” is also believed to strengthen the momentum of strengthening their relationship nationally. Summing up the last call of the two leaders, the Kremlin noted that the conversation took place in a “traditionally warm and friendly atmosphere”.
