China offers Russia ‘strong support on core interests’ as Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meet for first time since Ukraine invasion
- The Chinese leader opens the door for deeper cooperation on economic matters at the meeting with his ‘old friend’ in the Uzbek city of Samarkand
- Putin said he understood China’s ‘questions and concerns’ about its war in Ukraine and would explain Moscow’s position behind closed doors
The leaders praised the close relationship between the two countries in their short public statements before the closed-door talks began on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Uzbek city of Samarkand.
“The Chinese president also said China and Russia should expand pragmatic cooperation, safeguard security and interests of the region, and preserve the common interests of developing countries and emerging market countries,” Xinhua said. Its report added that Xi had said China was willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation with Russia in trade, agriculture and connectivity.
“In the face of a changing world, changing times and historic changes, China is willing to work with Russia to demonstrate the responsibilities of great powers and lead, to instil stability and positive energy in a world of chaos,” Xi said in footage aired on Russian media.
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Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin speak in person for first time since Russia invaded Ukraine
Addressing the Russian leader as his “old friend”, Xi told Putin that he was interested in sharing views on bilateral ties and matters of regional and international importance.