Xi Holds a Virtual Meeting with Putin
“Based on its ideological biases as well as lies and rumors, the u.s. attempts to interfere with the Beijing winter olympics, which will only expose its malicious intention and lead to greater loss of moral authority and credibility. The u.s. practice gravely violates the principle of political neutrality enshrined in the olympic Charter, runs counter to the olympic motto of “together” and stands on the opposite side of global athletes and sports fans.”
– Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during a regular press conference on December 7, 2021.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 15, 2021 in Beijing.
President Xi stressed that China-russia relations have emerged from various kinds of tests to demonstrate new vitality. The two sides have officially announced the renewal of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. They have extended firm mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, thus defending the national dignity and common interests of both countries.
President Xi pointed out the enormous political advantages and great opportunities in the allround practical cooperation between China and Russia. Bilateral trade in the first three quarters of 2021 exceeded US $100 billion for the first time, and the year-round volume is expected to hit a new record. The China-russia Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation has been a big success. Smooth progress is being made in synergizing Belt and Road cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union. The two countries have actively fulfilled their responsibilities as major countries, promoted a united, global response to COVID-19, communicated the true meaning of democracy and human rights, and acted as a bulwark of following true multilateralism and upholding fairness and justice in the world.
President Xi underscored President Putin’s upcoming visit to China and attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics as a concrete action of supporting China’s work as the host. The two presidents will have exchanged visits to Olympic Games held in each other’s countries, and the two countries will hold the Year of Sports Exchange during the next two years.
President Xi pointed out that China and Russia need to launch more joint actions to uphold the security interests of the two sides more effectively. China and Russia need to step up coordination and collaboration in international affairs, be more vocal on global governance, come up with feasible solutions to the pandemic, climate change, and other global issues, and firmly uphold international fairness and justice in the process of resolving international and regional issues.
President Putin said that the Russia-china relationship is at its best in history with a high degree of strategic mutual trust. It has set an example for delivering mutual benefit on the basis of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and mutual respect for each other’s interests. It can be hailed as a model of state-to-state relations in the 21st century. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the two sides have officially announced the renewal of the Treaty. Overcoming the impact of COVID-19, both sides have maintained close interaction, made steady progress in practical cooperation in all areas including trade, energy, and science and technology, and conducted communication and coordination on international and regional issues.
“China attaches great importance to the security risks generated by military applications of ai technologies. we call on all countries to embrace a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable global security, build consensus on regulating military applications of ai through dialogue and cooperation, and establish a universal international mechanism.”
– Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference on December 14, 2021.