BEIJING - President Xi Jinping told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday that China and Russia should rely on mutual trust, support each other, expand cooperation and defend their respective interests, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
The exchange took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi said the "stability" and "certainty" of China-Russia relations were of special importance. Xi asked Lavrov to convey his sincere regards to President Vladimir Putin, underlining Beijing’s intent to present a steady relationship with Moscow even as it engages with a broader set of partners.
Xi’s comments come against the backdrop of a year in which a small number of Western leaders - including the prime ministers of Spain, Britain and Canada - have visited Beijing seeking to elevate ties. In parallel, Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, met with Xi in Beijing on Wednesday. The meeting with To Lam was portrayed as part of efforts by both countries to shore up relations while they face trade tariff pressure from the United States.
Chinese and Russian leaders are expected to meet again at a summit sometime this year to reaffirm their partnership and cooperation. That meeting will occur as the two neighbours note anniversaries in their bilateral relationship, including the 2001 Sino-Russia Treaty of Friendship.
In comments to Lavrov, Xi framed closer strategic cooperation as a response to what he described as a "once-in-a-century change," saying that China and Russia should through stronger partnership resolutely defend their legitimate interests, uphold the unity of the Global South, and show the responsibility expected of major powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Beijing has in recent years advocated for what it describes as an equal and orderly multipolar world in which all countries have a voice and major powers take on greater responsibilities - a position China presents as an alternative to U.S. hegemony.
The meeting with Lavrov and the sequence of visits by other leaders underline China’s simultaneous pursuit of a firm relationship with Russia and expanded engagement with other states. Chinese officials presented the ties with Moscow as a source of strategic steadiness while continuing diplomatic outreach to Europe and Asia.
Observers inside Beijing noted the overlapping diplomatic activity as reflective of a broader Chinese foreign policy posture that emphasizes both bilateral partnerships and efforts to shape broader global arrangements.
Details on the agenda for the expected Xi-Putin summit were not provided at the meeting reported on Wednesday, and no firm date was announced.