China ready to deepen strategic cooperation with Russia regardless of global situation - Xi Jinping
BEIJING. March 22 (Interfax) - China stands ready to further deepen and enrich its comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership with Russia regardless of changes on the global stage, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"No matter how the international landscape may change, China will stay committed to advancing China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era," the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Xi as saying.
"This state visit to Russia is a journey of friendship, cooperation and peace. China is ready to work with Russia to build on past achievements, enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples and make greater contribution to human progress," he said.
China and Russia, which are the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, "have natural responsibilities to make joint efforts to steer and promote global governance in a direction that meets the expectations of the international community," Xi said.
"The two sides should support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, and jointly resist the interference in internal affairs by external forces," he added.
The two countries "should enhance communication and coordination on international affairs [...], practice true multilateralism, oppose hegemonism and power politics," Xi said.
There is "significant potential and space and is strategic, reliable and stable," the Chinese president said.
Xi called for strengthening joint coordination and expanding cooperation in the energy sector, information technologies, digital economy, agriculture, trade in mechanical and electronic products, etc.
Putin said that "Russia firmly supports China in upholding its legitimate interests on questions related to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Russia appreciates China for consistently upholding an objective and impartial position on international affairs, supports the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative China has put forward and stands ready to further enhance international coordination with China."