Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the extraordinary strength and significance of China’s relationship with Russia during a high-profile diplomatic meeting in Beijing, calling it the “most stable, most mature, and most strategically valuable relationship between major powers in the world today.”
In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the changing global landscape, Wang made this declaration during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who had just arrived in Beijing after a trip to North Korea and had been given additional guarantees of support for Moscow.
Wang Yi’s comments were made in the midst of heightened global tensions, particularly the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the tense relations between China and Russia with the US.
A shared commitment to strengthening comprehensive strategic cooperation, encouraging mutual development and revival, and working together to address the problems of a volatile and evolving global order was highlighted in the Chinese foreign ministry’s readout of the meeting.
Wang pointed out that China and Russia constantly approach their collaboration from a long-term, strategic viewpoint, and both ministers emphasized the strength and depth of their bilateral ties. The gathering was also presented as a component of continuing preparations for upcoming high-level meetings, such as expected summits and visits between the leaders of the two nations.
Drawing on Lavrov’s recent talks in North Korea, the two sides discussed regional security and stability.
One of the main topics was the crisis in Ukraine. China has not advocated for the withdrawal of Russian troops or denounced Russia’s 2022 invasion, although maintaining its neutrality. Instead, Beijing calls for a political settlement and accuses Western nations of escalating the crisis by arming Ukraine.
The ministers emphasized the value of diplomatic engagement while discussing current initiatives to handle the Iranian nuclear problem.
Although Washington was not specifically mentioned in the Chinese statement, the Russian foreign ministry said the agenda also covered the Israeli war in Gaza and ties with the United States.
China is urging communication and a political solution while maintaining its neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Despite these assertions, Ukraine’s allies are skeptical of China because of its frequent criticism of Western military assistance for Ukraine and its unwillingness to condemn Russia’s activities. Beijing has refuted claims that Chinese companies are supplying Russia with dual-use items.
In its official declarations, China regularly emphasizes the need for an end to the fighting and issues a warning against what it refers to as Western attempts to “fuel the fire” of the conflict. China has occasionally abstained from votes at the UN that call for Russia to immediately withdraw from the conflict while supporting resolutions that call for an end to the violence.
The meeting between Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi serves as an example of how China and Russia are becoming more strategically aligned. Both nations believe it is beneficial to put up a united front on important global problems, especially when it comes to what they consider as Western attempts to limit their influence and rise. Collaboration in global organizations including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, G20, and APEC is part of their relationship.
China and Russia’s relationship is still governed by a combination of pragmatic concerns and a common resistance to Western hegemony in international affairs. The most recent meeting signifies ongoing coordination on significant regional and global issues and strengthens their all-encompassing strategic alliance.
