Chinese President Xi Jinping received Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu on Friday in Beijing. During the meeting, Xi conveyed that China and Russia must continue to strengthen their coordination on international matters, indicating that both countries are 'true friends.'
Shoigu's visit to Beijing coincided with the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. After a tense encounter, Zelensky left the White House earlier than expected.
Xi highlighted that he has had two conversations this year with Russian President Vladimir Putin, mentioning that in 2025, Beijing and Moscow will address 'a series of important agendas.' The Chinese president called for maintaining close communication at all levels and strengthening the role of BRICS countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in which China and Russia participate.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, it is not mentioned whether Xi discussed the topic, but Shoigu expressed that Russia values China's efforts to promote a peaceful solution to the crisis. According to the official Xinhua agency, Shoigu claimed that the alliance between China and Russia plays a significant role globally and is a model for relations between powers.
Shoigu also assured that the relationship between the two countries does not seek to harm third parties. Before meeting with Xi, he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who emphasized that his country will continue to play a constructive role in promoting talks and seeking a political solution to the war in Ukraine.
The Russian envoy informed Wang Yi about the contacts between Russia and the United States and reiterated his country’s commitment to eliminate the causes of the Ukrainian crisis and seek a permanent, fair, and sustainable solution for peace. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, China has maintained an ambiguous stance, advocating for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries and the consideration of the legitimate concerns of all states, including Russia.
China has opposed unilateral sanctions against Russia, advocating for a political solution. Although it has been accused by the West of supporting the Russian military campaign, China has denied such claims and called for a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.
