Speaking on his 69th birthday, Xi also pledged to deepen strategic coordination between the two countries, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An independent reading from the Kremlin said the two leaders stressed that their countries’ relations were “at their best” and reaffirmed their commitment to “constantly deepen the comprehensive partnership”.
The call is believed to be the second time the two have spoken since Russia invaded Ukraine. They last spoke a few days after Moscow launched what it insists called a “special military operation.”
China, too, has refrained from referring to Russia’s actions as an invasion and has followed a fine line on the issue. It has been hailed as a call for peace and the maintenance of global order, while refusing to denounce Russia’s actions. He has also used his state media apparatus to mimic the Kremlin lines blaming the United States and NATO for the crisis.
During Wednesday’s call, Xi stressed that China had always “independently assessed the situation” in Ukraine and called on “all parties” to push for an “appropriate solution to Ukraine’s crisis.” of a language he used in a March call with U.S. President Joe. Biden.
China is “ready to continue to play its part” in promoting an “appropriate solution” in Ukraine, he said.
The summary of the Kremlin’s call took this position a step further, saying: “The President of China affirmed the legitimacy of Russia’s actions to protect fundamental national interests in the face of security challenges posed by external forces. “.
China’s lack of censorship over Russia’s war in Ukraine has further strained Beijing’s strained relations with the United States and its allies.
U.S. officials have repeatedly called on countries to condemn Russia’s actions and warned their Chinese counterparts not to help Moscow. During the March call between Xi and Biden, the US president explained the consequences if China gave material support, following the information from the United States that Moscow asked for military aid from Beijing, a claim that both deny.
Commercial links
Wednesday’s call was also an opportunity for Putin and Xi to check on a growing trade relationship.
Earlier this year, weeks before the Russian invasion, the two leaders in a face-to-face meeting said their countries had a “limitless” partnership and pledged to boost trade.
“Since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have maintained a good development momentum in the face of global turmoil and transformation,” Xi said in a call on Wednesday.
“The Chinese side is ready to work with the Russian side to promote the steady and long-term development of practical bilateral cooperation,” Xi said, noting the “steady progress” of its trade ties and the opening last week of the first cross. -Border of the border road over the river Amur.
The two agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, finance, manufacturing and others, “taking into account the global economic situation that has been complicated by the policy of illegitimate sanctions that has been carried out by “The West,” reads the Kremlin.
The two countries also pledged to work together to strengthen communication and coordination in international bodies such as the United Nations, where the two often vote as a bloc.
“China is also ready to work with Russia to promote solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries… said Xi in a comment that impacted. on the shared goal of countries to push back what they consider the global hegemony of the United States.
Birthday greetings
The call was not the first time Xi and Putin, two strong men united by the mutual distrust of the West, had committed each other to each other’s birthdays.
In 2013, Xi gave Putin a birthday cake and the two drank vodka together to commemorate the Russian leader’s 61st birthday during a conference in Indonesia. Xi later celebrated his 66th birthday during a 2019 summit in Tajikistan with Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, cake and champagne.
It is also believed that their personal relationship, in which Xi has described Putin as their “best and best friend,” reinforces the dynamic of strengthening their relationship nationally.
In its summary of the last meeting of the two leaders, the Kremlin noted that the conversation was held in a “traditionally warm and friendly atmosphere.”