Russia, China to strengthen strategic cooperation, standing on side of ‘fairness and justice’

BEIJING: Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss a host of regional and global issues, including the war in Gaza and Ukraine, state media said.

Lavrov arrived in China for a twoday official visit on Monday, with the two countries looking to strengthen bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.

The two sides agreed to discuss ways to deepen security cooperation across Europe and Asia to counter attempts by the US “to impose its will on the region.” Lavrov told a news conference after meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Russian stateowned news agency RIA Novosti reported.

Lavrov said Beijing and Moscow have agreed to “start a dialogue with the involvement of our other likeminded people on this issue.”

Pointing to Western pressure on both countries, he condemned “unlawful sanctions,” which violated “international norms in a rude manner.” This policy, he contended, is starting to be actively applied toward Beijing. The minister alleged that the West is seeking to impede China’s “economic, and technological development opportunities, to put it simply in order to eliminate the competitors.” Conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine discussed

Wang, at a press conference following bilateral talks with Lavrov, said the two sides discussed the raging conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

“As a force for peace and stability, China will stick to playing a constructive role on the international stage and will never add oil to the flames,” he said.

He said

Beijing and

Moscow should oppose “hegemonism” and “any ‘small circle’ that engages in bloc confrontation.”

“We must oppose all acts of hegemony, tyranny and bullying; oppose Cold War thinking and separatist provocations; and actively push for the construction of a common future for all humankind,” Wang maintained.

“NATO should not extend its hand to our common homeland,” he added.

Beijing, he added, would strengthen strategic cooperation with Moscow and the two countries must stand on the side of “fairness and justice.”