“Maintaining and developing relations between China and Russia is a strategic choice made by both sides based on the fundamental interests of our two peoples,” Xi said, quoted by state television CCTV.
The two countries should “constantly expand the positive effects of their high-level political ties” and “deepen their cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, connectivity and other sectors”, he added.
Xi stated that “China supports the Russian people in following the development path of their choice” and highlighted the “strong resilience”, “broad perspectives” and “solidity” of bilateral cooperation.
The Chinese leader also highlighted that bilateral trade between China and Russia reached 200 billion dollars (more than 182 billion euros) in the first 11 months of the year, a target outlined by the authorities of both countries.
In February 2022, shortly before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping proclaimed in Beijing an “unlimited friendship” between their nations.
Since then, Moscow and Beijing have stated that their ties “do not threaten any country” and that they aim to “promote a multipolar world”.
China has maintained an ambiguous position in the conflict. Beijing called for respect for the “territorial integrity of all countries”, including Ukraine, and attention to “the legitimate security concerns of all countries”, in reference to Russia.
Relations between Beijing and Moscow “have never been better”, said Mishoustin.
The Russian Prime Minister’s visit to China, the second in 2023, aims to further strengthen economic cooperation and “counter external pressure”, according to experts cited by the official Chinese newspaper Global Times.
Last November, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov agreed in Beijing to increase investment cooperation between the two countries, as well as “strengthen coordination and draw up long-term plans term”.
The meeting is the latest in a series of exchanges between Chinese and Russian leaders this year, which included two meetings between Xi and Putin.
The Russian Prime Minister’s visit to China, on Tuesday and Wednesday, comes two months after Russian President Vladimir Putin met Xi Jinping in Beijing. A high-ranking Chinese general was also received in Moscow in November.
