Xi Jinping calls for China, Russia to ‘elevate cooperation’ in talks with Mishustin

Chinese president says nations should explore ‘potential’ new economic, trade and investment links

Foreign ministry readout did not say if Xi and Russian prime minister discussed the war in Ukraine

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Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:08pm, 24 May 2023Updated: 8:22pm, 24 May 2023

Beijing will continue to provide firm support for Moscow’s issues of core interest, Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday.

Xi made the remarks during their meeting in Beijing – the latest show of solidarity between the two neighbours that are both under growing pressure from the West.

He said that in addition to strengthening cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Group of 20, China and Russia should explore “potential” new economic, trade and investment links.

“We hope that the two sides will continue to take advantage of … the strong momentum of Sino-Russian cooperation, elevate cooperation in various fields … and continuously enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between our two countries in the new era,” Xi told Mishustin, according to Xinhua.

“China is ready to work with Russia and countries of the Eurasian Economic Union to promote and connect the Belt and Road Initiative with the union in order to develop and establish a bigger regional market, ensure a more stable and robust global supply chain so [we can] bring real and tangible benefits to the countries in the region,” Xi was quoted as saying.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (second from left) attends a meeting with the Russian prime minister at the Great Hall of the People. Photo: via Reuters

In response, Mishustin said Russia was “ready to work with China to promote multipolarisation in the world and consolidate the international order based on international law”, according to the Xinhua report.

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