Russian President Vladimir Putin writing article for the Chinese newspaper People’s Daily. The Russian leader noted the highest level of relations between Moscow and Beijing, declared his readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, and also spoke in favor of “the formation of a more multipolar world order just”. What else Putin wrote about – in RTVI material.
On upcoming talks with Xi Jinping
Putin expects a lot from his next meeting with the Chinese leader. “We have no doubt that they will give a powerful new impetus to the whole of bilateral cooperation. It is also a great opportunity for me to see a good old friend again with whom we have the warmest relations,” he said.
On relations with the Chinese president
The Russian president recalled that he had met Xi Jinping in March 2010 and that the first meeting “was very professional and at the same time sincere and friendly”. Three years later, Xi Jinping paid his first state visit to Russia since being elected president of the PRC, and this summit, according to Putin, set the tone and momentum for Russian-Chinese relations to many years to come.
“Russian-Chinese relations have reached the highest level in their entire history and continue to grow stronger, in terms of quality they surpass the military-political alliances of the Cold War, there is no leader and supporter , there are no restrictions or bans on topics. Our political dialogue has become extremely trusting, strategic interaction has become comprehensive and is entering a new era,” Putin writes.
He also noted that he and the Chinese president have met about 40 times and have always found the time and opportunity to communicate both in a variety of official formats and in a “no tie” setting.
About the partnership
According to Putin, one of the priorities of Russia and China is trade and economic partnership. At the end of 2022, trade doubled and reached 185 billion dollars. “This is a new record. And we have every reason to believe that the $200 billion mark we set with President Xi Jinping will not be exceeded in 2024, but already this year,” the Russian leader said.
The President of Russia stressed that the share of settlements in national currencies in the mutual trade of the two countries is increasing and that “our relations are becoming even more sovereign”.
In addition, according to Putin, long-term joint plans and programs are being successfully implemented: the main Russian-Chinese gas pipeline “Power of Siberia” “without exaggeration has become the” deal of the century “, the volume of gas deliveries Russian oil and coal have increased, with the participation of domestic specialists in China, new nuclear power plants are being built, power generators, Chinese companies are actively involved in LNG projects, and industrial and agricultural cooperation is taking place. strengthens.
The President of Russia recalled that in 2022, two bridges were built between border regions across the Amur River, which has long become a “river of friendship”.
About the world order
Putin noted in his article that Russia and China “with like-minded people” constantly advocate the creation of a more just multipolar world order based on international law, not on some “rules” that meet the needs of the “golden billion”. Putin considers China’s “Global Security Initiative” to be consistent with Russian approaches.
On relations with the West
The President of Russia noted that the “collective West” clings more and more desperately to archaic dogmas, to its elusive domination, putting the fate of entire states and peoples at stake.
“The US policy of dual containment of Russia and China, and all those who do not succumb to US dictates, is becoming increasingly acute and assertive,” he wrote.
According to Putin, the architecture of international security and cooperation is being dismantled, “Russia has been declared an ‘immediate threat’ and China a ‘strategic competitor'”.
About the events in Ukraine
The Russian president expressed his gratitude to the PRC for “a balanced line” in relation to the events in Ukraine, as well as “for understanding their context and their real causes”. Moscow welcomes Beijing’s willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis.
According to Putin, the Russian side is open “to a politico-diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis”, but in April last year the peace talks were interrupted “in no way by us”.
“The future of the peace process depends solely on the will of a serious conversation, taking into account the prevailing geopolitical realities. Unfortunately, the demands for an ultimatum to Russia speak only of isolation from such realities and disinterest in finding a way out of the current situation,” the president explained.
He stressed that the crisis in Ukraine, diligently provoked and fueled by Western countries, is the most striking today, “but by no means the only manifestation of intentions to maintain dominance in the international arena and a unipolar world order. “.
About “penetration” in the Asia-Pacific region
“It is impossible not to understand that NATO is trying to give its activities a global reach, aimed at penetrating the Asia-Pacific region. That some forces are constantly trying to divide the common Eurasian space into a network of “exclusive clubs” and military blocs aimed at hindering the development of our countries and harming their interests. However, no one will be able to achieve this,” Putin writes.
According to him, Russian-Chinese relations are now in fact the cornerstone of regional and global stability, stimulate economic growth and serve as a guarantor of a positive agenda in international affairs. The President of Russia called relations with China an example of harmonious creative cooperation between large states.
Putin’s article was written on the eve of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow from March 20-22. During the talks, China and Russia will discuss issues of “further developing comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.” The Kremlin noted that Beijing and Moscow will also sign several “important bilateral documents.” End of December 2022, Putin declared what awaits Xi Jinping visiting Moscow in the spring of 2023. The Russian president stressed that the PRC president’s visit “will demonstrate to the world the strength of Russian-Chinese ties on key issues”.
