China renews call for political end to Ukraine war as Xi Jinping rolls out red carpet for Russia’s Vladimir Putin
- Any settlement must respect security and sovereignty of all parties, Chinese president says after talks
- Sino-Russian relationship has withstood international ‘storms and changes’ and sets a model for mutual respect and cooperation, he says
“Both sides agree that a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis is the correct direction,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said after talks with Putin at the Great Hall of the People.
“China’s position on this issue has been consistent and clear, including … the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and the legitimate security concerns of all parties.
“China looks forward to the early restoration of peace and stability on the European continent and is willing to continue to play a constructive role.”
He added that the two countries would consolidate positive momentum in trade, and unleash potential in cutting-edge areas, while jointly maintaining the stability of the global industrial and supply chain.
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The comments came on the first day of Putin’s two-day trip to the Chinese capital, where the Russian president had the highest possible welcome – complete with a retinue of 21 security cars and an honour guard.
Earlier on Thursday morning, Putin was greeted at the airport by State Councillor Shen Yiqin and another military honour guard.
In addition to filling his cabinet with officials well-versed in working with China, Putin has brought a top-level delegation with him to Beijing.
As well as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Russian president is accompanied by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, deputy head of the presidential administration Maxim Oreshkin, presidential aide Yury Ushakov, Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, central bank governor Elvira Nabiullina, and Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation chief Dmitry Shugayev.
As one of the few countries that remains on friendly terms with Russia, China has been urged by the West to use its influence to end the war and to ensure that it does not supply Russia with an economic lifeline or dual-use equipment.
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After their talks on Thursday, Xi said China and Russia would continue to maintain a position of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third parties.
Earlier in the day, Xi also reaffirmed Beijing’s role as a “trusted neighbour, good friend, and good partner” to Moscow.
The two leaders signed several bilateral documents, including a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two nations.
Xi said the Sino-Russia relationship had withstood “storms and changes in the international dynamic” and “set a model for major and neighbouring countries in mutual respect, sincerity, harmonious coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation”.
China-Russia trade hit a record US$240 billion in 2023, more than double the US$108 billion reached in 2020, largely driven by Chinese imports of Russian oil and exports of cars, electronics and industrial equipment.
According to a statement from the Kremlin, Putin said energy trade and investment were top priorities in the talks.
On this trip, Putin, who has met Xi more than 40 times since 2012, will attend a bilateral trade expo as well as the Russia-China Forum on Interregional Cooperation in Harbin, capital of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province, which has strong cultural ties with Russia.
In an interview with Chinese state news agency Xinhua published on Wednesday, Putin described the strategic partnership between Russia and China as at an “unprecedentedly high level” and built on national interests and profound mutual trust.
The proposal was less of a roadmap and more of a series of general principles and had a muted international reception.
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Putin said Moscow was “open to a dialogue on Ukraine”, however, the negotiations must “take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours”.
He said the proposal could “lay the groundwork for a political and diplomatic process that would take into account Russia’s security concerns and contribute to establishing a long-term and sustainable peace”.
Russia has not been invited and it is still unclear whether China will attend. Beijing has said it supports a timely convening of a summit that is “recognised by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace plans”.
Meanwhile, Russian troops have launched a ground offensive along northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, opening a new front and advancing deeper into the country’s east. But billions of dollars worth of military aid from the US is expected to arrive in Ukraine soon.
