We will resist: Putin affirms united China-Russia front against sanctions
Russian leader says the two countries are creating mechanisms to offset the effects of Western sanctions. In articles and interviews for Chinese state media Vladimir Putin says the two countries have convergent positions on most issues
In his article, Putin highlighted last year’s 20th anniversary of China and Russia’s friendship treaty, saying their cooperation is on an equal basis and free from “political and ideological circumstances”.
“Foreign policy coordination between Russia and China is based on close and coinciding approaches to solving global and regional issues,” he wrote.
“Our countries play an important stabilising role in today’s challenging international environment, promoting greater democracy in the system of international relations to make it more equitable and inclusive.” Putin said the two countries had convergent positions on international trade, with both supporting the restoration of global supply chains – a reference to a 2020 Russian proposal for green corridors to transport essential goods and technologies without sanctions.
The Kremlin’s top foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov earlier said the two leaders would meet on Friday and sign a joint statement reflecting their “common views” on security.
“A joint statement on international relations entering a new era has been prepared for the talks,” Ushakov said. Russia’s six-person delegation – downsized because of pandemic concerns – will include energy minister Nikolay Shulginov and Igor Sechin, head of Russian energy giant Rosneft.
Ushakov said a number of gas agreements were in preparation, but could not confirm which may be signed. “But the visit will obviously mark another step in the development of gas cooperation,” he said. Putin also stressed business ties, which he said would be given special attention. “There is every opportunity for this as our countries have substantial financial, industrial, technological and human resources allowing us to successfully resolve long-term development issues,” he wrote.
“Working together, we can achieve stable economic growth and improve the well-being of our citizens, strengthen our competitiveness, and stand together against today’s risks and challenges.” Putin also gave an interview to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN, in which he said the atmosphere of political trust between China and Russia had allowed the two countries to establish a multilayered structure of cooperation.
He also reminded the audience that Moscow had supported Beijing in denouncing the diplomatic boycott of the Games. “Russia has been and remains committed to the traditional Olympic values. We oppose the attempts to politicise sport or use it as a tool of coercion, unfair competition and discrimination,” Putin told CGTN.