Contributing Article to Russian Media Ahead of Visit to Russia
Emphasizing 'Independent Diplomacy' Seemingly Aware of the US
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries ahead of his state visit to Russia.
On the 20th, the Russian state daily Rossiskaya Gazeta and the RIA Novosti news agency published an article by President Xi titled "Let Us Move Forward to Open a New Chapter of China-Russia Friendship, Cooperation, and Joint Development." In the article, President Xi stressed his ties and friendly relations with Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated, "I will soon make a state visit to the Russian Federation," adding, "Russia was the first country I visited after being elected president 10 years ago." This visit to Russia is also his first overseas trip since being re-elected as president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, achieving a 'third term.'
He said, "Over the past 10 years, I have visited Russia eight times, each time with great expectations," emphasizing, "Together with President Putin, we have opened a new chapter in China-Russia relations and returned with fruitful results." He continued, "In recent years, I have met President Putin 40 times at international events," explaining, "We have drawn blueprints for bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields and communicated in a timely manner on major international and regional issues, sharing responsibility for the continuous and stable growth of China-Russia relations."
President Xi particularly emphasized the two countries' independent diplomacy, seemingly conscious of the United States. He said, "Both countries adhere to independent foreign policies and regard our relationship as a top priority in diplomacy," elaborating on the model of bilateral relations by stating, "We have promised not to target any third party in developing our relationship without forming alliances or confrontations."
He also mentioned the importance of economic cooperation. He stated, "Last year, China-Russia trade volume exceeded $190 billion (approximately 248.52 trillion won), an increase of 116% compared to 10 years ago," stressing, "China has been Russia's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years." He added, "Our bilateral investments have steadily increased, and cooperation on major projects in fields such as energy, aviation, space, and connectivity has been steadily progressing." Regarding cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic response, he emphasized, "Our peoples have supported each other in the fight against COVID-19," and "This once again proves that a friend in need is a true friend."
Meanwhile, President Xi is scheduled to make a three-day state visit to Russia starting on the 20th, where he will hold a face-to-face summit with President Putin. This will be their first in-person meeting in seven months since the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Uzbekistan last September. President Xi is also expected to hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky afterward.
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