China-Russia ties won’t be broken, declare Xi and Putin in signal to Biden

Chinese leader says New Year phone call with Russian leader indicates their relationship will endure any attempt to suppress and divide

In the US, the incoming president says he is looking to form ‘stronger coalitions’ against China

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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping say their countries are closer than ever and that they are prepared to step up their cooperation in the international arena. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:06pm, 29 Dec 2020Updated: 11:43pm, 29 Dec 2020

The relationship between China and Russia cannot be broken by any third nation and will weather all kinds of international crises, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Russian counterpart, in a signal to the United States that Beijing-Moscow ties are strong.

In a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday evening, Xi said the relationship between China and Russia “has strong independent value”, indicating that the rapport between the two countries would be further elevated, no matter what policies the incoming US administration of Joe Biden adopted.

“Sino-Russian relations are not affected by changes in the international situation or interference by any other factors. Strengthening strategic cooperation between China and Russia can effectively resist any attempt to suppress and divide the two countries,” a Chinese foreign ministry statement quoted Xi as saying.

“China is willing to unswervingly develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era.”

Xi’s remarks came as China pushes to consolidate its ties with other nations ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20. An investment deal between China and the European Union is also expected to wrap up soon after seven years of talks.

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