Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia and China are prepared to support each other on issues related to sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, as he prepared for a major visit to Beijing beginning on Tuesday.
In a video address released ahead of the trip, Putin described ties between Moscow and Beijing as being at an “unprecedented level” of mutual trust and understanding, underlining the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Putin is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, continuing a series of high-level meetings between the two leaders, who have met more than 40 times in recent years.
Speaking before the visit, Putin said Russia and China were ready to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, defence and international affairs.
“The countries are ready to support each other on issues affecting the core interests of the two countries, including the protection of sovereignty and national unity,” Putin said, without giving further details.
The remarks are likely to attract attention amid rising tensions between China and the West over Taiwan, as well as Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine.
Strategic Partnership Expands
Putin also praised the broader Russia–China relationship, describing it as “strategic” and increasingly important in maintaining global stability.
According to the Russian leader, cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on equality, mutual benefit and long-term interests rather than confrontation.
“We are not aligning against anyone, but working for the cause of peace and universal prosperity,” Putin said.
Russia and China have steadily strengthened ties in recent years, particularly after Moscow’s relations with Western countries sharply deteriorated following the invasion of Ukraine.
Growing Defence And Economic Ties
Putin said cooperation between the two countries continues to expand in areas including trade, defence, politics and energy.
China has become one of Russia’s most important economic partners, helping Moscow offset Western sanctions and economic pressure.
The Kremlin has also increasingly presented its relationship with Beijing as a stabilising force in global politics, especially as tensions between China and the United States continue to rise.
Putin’s upcoming visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s high-profile summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing, adding further geopolitical significance to the Russia–China meeting.
(with inputs from Reuters)