Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing on Thursday, as both men pledged to deepen the strategic partnership between their two countries, despite growing Western pressure over the war in Ukraine.
Mr. Putin is in China this week for a two-day state visit as he seeks to shore up economic ties with his most important ally following new sanctions by the United States targeting Chinese dealings with Russia and the threat of similar action by the European Union.
Mr. Xi said he would co-operate with Mr. Putin, whom he described as an “old friend,” to achieve “the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”
“The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it,” Mr. Xi said.
The two men formally signed a statement deepening their strategic relationship, building on a “no limits” partnership declared in February 2022, just days ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Mr. Putin praised Mr. Xi for trying to solve the Ukraine crisis, saying he would brief the Chinese leader in detail on the situation in the country, where Russia has recently made significant advances.
“We are grateful to the Chinese friends and colleagues for the initiatives they put forward to solve this problem,” Mr. Putin said.