Putin Welcomes Xi Jinping to the Kremlin: Together We Will Tackle Unilateralism and Extortion

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for talks at the Kremlin, which Moscow hopes will provide diplomatic momentum for Russia during a crucial moment in the war with Ukraine. Putin thanked Xi “for coming to Moscow to participate in the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s ‘sacred’ victory over the Nazis in World War II.” The Russian president referred to the Chinese leader as an “esteemed friend.” “I appreciate the opportunity to communicate directly with you. I would be delighted to visit China,” stated Putin. “Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly uphold historical truth, protect the memory of wartime events, and confront modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism,” said Putin. He declared that both countries, as global powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, would collaborate to address “unilateralism and extortion,” indirectly referencing the United States. Additionally, he mentioned that Russia and China would jointly promote the correct interpretation of World War II history, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, decisively defend the rights and interests of China, Russia, and the majority of developing countries, and work towards fostering fair, balanced, multipolar, and inclusive economic globalization. In response, Xi expressed his pleasure in visiting Russia again upon invitation from his old friend, President Putin. “China will cooperate with Russia to assume its special responsibilities as a global power. We will resolutely defend the rights, interests of China, Russia, and the majority of developing countries,” emphasized Xi. Furthermore, China is ready to collaborate with Russia to promote equitable, balanced, complex, and inclusive economic globalization. “In this new era, Sino-Russian relations are more secure, stable, and resilient. China will also work with Russia to ensure the authority and status of the United Nations,” noted Xi. Xi’s country has been embroiled in a tariff war with Donald Trump’s USA. It is expected that numerous agreements will be signed to deepen the strategic partnership ‘without limits’ established between the two countries in 2022, less than three weeks before Putin sent troops into Ukraine. Notably, China is Russia’s largest trading partner and has provided Moscow with an economic lifeline that has helped it withstand Western sanctions. China buys more Russian oil and natural gas than any other country.