Xi Jinping and Putin Talk Ahead of Seollal... "Close Communication, Continued Exchange on Strategic Issues"

Xi Jinping "Cooperate for Both Countries' Sovereignty and Security"
Putin "Mutually Support... Adhere to the 'One China' Principle"

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on the 8th, ahead of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), and promised to strengthen political and economic cooperation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the same day, President Xi said during the call with President Putin, "The two countries must closely cooperate strategically to safeguard their national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly oppose foreign interference in internal affairs," adding, "We must foster new momentum for bilateral cooperation and maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains."

President Xi stated, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Looking back on the path we have walked together, we have weathered numerous storms. In the future, China-Russia relations will face new development opportunities, and China intends to work with Russia to help each other, maintain the spirit of friendship passed down through generations, and jointly write a new chapter in China-Russia relations."

President Putin responded by saying, "Russia intends to strengthen communication and cooperation with China within the framework of regional and international multilateral organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), support each other, uphold multilateralism, and protect each other's legitimate interests."

He also expressed support for China regarding the Taiwan issue. President Putin emphasized, "Russia unwaveringly adheres to the 'One China' principle," and stated, "We oppose any provocative actions against China on the Taiwan issue, and believe that any attempts to hinder China's peaceful reunification will not succeed." He added, "Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented high level, and I look forward to maintaining close contact with President Xi and achieving new progress in cooperation across various fields."

Xinhua News Agency reported, "The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on major current international and regional issues," and "agreed to continue close communication in the new year and to engage deeply on China-Russia relations and strategic issues of common interest."