Samarkand (agencies)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin demonstrated their determination to support each other and strengthen their relationship, during their first meeting since the start of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, at a time when relations between their countries and the West are tense.
At the start of the meeting, which was broadcast live, the Chinese president said, “China is willing to make efforts with Russia to play the role of great powers and play a guiding role in spreading stability and positive energy in a world shaken by social unrest.”
For his part, Putin condemned Western attempts to establish a “unipolar world, which are totally unacceptable.”
Their previous meeting dates back to last February, when the Russian president attended the Winter Olympics in Beijing. They emphasized their “limitless” friendship. A few days later, Putin launched his attack on Ukraine.
“We greatly appreciate the balanced position of our Chinese friends on the Ukrainian crisis,” Putin told Xi yesterday.
“We understand your concern,” he added, without specifying what issues China might have raised about Ukraine.
Beijing has neither supported nor publicly criticized the Russian attack on Ukraine, while repeatedly expressing its support for Moscow in the face of Western sanctions.
According to Chinese TV, Xi is scheduled to hold talks in Samarkand with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russia’s main ally.
The meeting between Xi and Putin is considered the most anticipated event for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which is scheduled to continue until Friday and includes many leaders, including the leaders of India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Central Asian countries.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian and Chinese ships conducted a joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean yesterday, in order to “strengthen their maritime cooperation” as evidence of the rapprochement.
During yesterday’s meeting, Putin reiterated Moscow’s support for Beijing with regard to Taiwan, where visits by US officials in recent weeks have angered China, describing it as a “provocation”.