Toggle navigation. China’s Xi tells Putin that he is willing to ‘expand’ relations: state media Moscow and Beijing both criticize “Western hegemony,” notably what they regard as US dominance over global affairs. Photo: AFP. Updated October 2, 2024, at 05:59 PM. FacebookTelegram BEIJING — On October 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping informed his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that he was willing to “expand” collaboration as the two leaders celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, according to state media. According to state news agency Xinhua, Mr. Xi stated that China is “ready to join Putin to constantly expand all-round pragmatic cooperation between (our) two countries”. “Permanent good-neighbourly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Mr Xi told Mr Putin, according to Xinhua.

Putin has sought to China’s leader for backing since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the partners increasing commerce to record levels as Moscow faces severe economic penalties from the West. Moscow and Beijing both criticize “Western hegemony,” notably what they regard as US dominance in global affairs, and announced a “no-limits” alliance soon before Russia launched its operation in Ukraine. Mr Xi is scheduled to attend a Brics summit in the south-western Russian city of Kazan in October, where he is anticipated to meet with Mr Putin. On October 2, Mr Xi praised his and Mr Putin’s recent efforts to strengthen ties “in the face of major changes unseen in a century”.

Political trust between the two sides has grown, and practical cooperation has yielded extraordinary outcomes,” he remarked. AFP