Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s dedication to “world peace and development” in a New Year’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while emphasizing the strength of their bilateral partnership, state media reported on Tuesday.
In his message, Xi declared, “No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in further comprehensively deepening reform… and promoting world peace and development,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, China has positioned itself as a neutral party, distinct from the United States and other Western nations. Xi expressed to Putin that, despite the “rapidly evolving changes” and “turbulent international situation,” China and Russia have consistently moved forward together along a path of “non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party.”
The two leaders share a close personal bond, with Xi referring to Putin as his “best friend” and Putin calling Xi his “reliable partner.” Xi also highlighted that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, which he described as “a new important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.”
“After three-quarters of a century of ups and downs, China-Russia relations have become increasingly mature and stable,” Xi added, according to CCTV.
