Xi Jinping and Putin met in Moscow: signed an agreement, want "closer" ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid an official visit to Moscow on May 8, where he held talks with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and signed a new agreement to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, according to China's Foreign Ministry and Reuters.

Xi Jinping noted that the world has entered a "new period of turbulence and change."

He said that as long as China and Russia "maintain strategic resolve and adhere to strategic cooperation, no force can stop the development and rejuvenation of both countries, stop the people's aspiration for multi-generational friendship between China and Russia, or stop the trend of the times towards a multipolar world and economic globalization."

"I would like to maintain close contact with President Putin, provide advice on China-Russia relations, and make positive contributions to promoting global governance," Xi added.

Putin, for his part, declared the "unbreakable friendship" between Russia and China and also expressed his desire to maintain a "close strategic relationship" with Xi, "jointly respond to the challenges of complex international situations, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, protect the common interests of the two countries, and promote the development of the world towards justice, democracy, and multipolarity."

During the meeting, Russia's war against Ukraine, which official Beijing traditionally calls the "Ukrainian crisis," was also discussed.

Xi said China adheres to the concept of "common, comprehensive, shared and sustainable global security" and believes that "the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and the root causes of the crisis should be addressed."

"China welcomes all efforts to promote peace and hopes to achieve a just, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties through dialogue," the official statement said.

Putin said that Russia was supposedly ready to start peace talks without preconditions.

Xi and Putin are going to strengthen coordination in all areas, including the military, and "resolutely oppose Washington's policy of dual containment" of China and Russia.

• Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which is celebrated in Russia as "Victory Day".
• Amid tensions with Pakistan, India's defense minister canceled his trip, but his deputy will likely travel to Russia.