Beijing, Moscow Affirm “Friends Forever” Relationship as China’s Top Diplomat Visits Russia

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a visit to Moscow, affirmed the strong relationship between China and Russia, stating they are “friends forever, never enemies,” Al Jazeera reports.

The visit included talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focusing on strategic cooperation.

Wang’s visit comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and recent criticism from US President Donald Trump directed at both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

China and Russia declared a “no limits” strategic partnership in February 2022, just prior to the conflict in Ukraine erupted. President Xi Jinping and President Putin have met extensively over the past decade, forging deeper ties and cooperating on issues including Taiwan, Ukraine, and their shared concerns regarding the United States.

Wang indicated China’s readiness to play a “constructive role” in resolving the conflict in Ukraine while simultaneously expressing support for Russia in defending its interests. During his discussions with Lavrov, Wang stated that the two nations would collaborate to contribute to global peace and development.

Putin expressed “satisfaction” with the progress of the bilateral relationship, while Wang emphasized the strengthening ties and the pursuit of shared global and regional interests.

Putin also mentioned preparations for President Xi’s upcoming visit to Moscow for the Victory Parade in May, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.

Wang acknowledged the role of major powers in maintaining stability and noted positive developments in US-Russia relations. He made these remarks following reports of ongoing discussions between Russia and the US on potential peace settlements in Ukraine and improved bilateral ties.

Addressing the notion of Trump potentially leveraging Russian support against China, Wang dismissed such ideas as outdated “confrontational and bloc thinking.”

Wang highlighted the progress made in recent Ukraine ceasefire talks and advocated for their continuation, despite existing differences and the complex situation on the ground. Xi Jinping has been advocating for greater Chinese involvement in peace negotiations since the early stages of the conflict.

China maintains its position as a neutral party in the conflict. NATO members have claimed Beijing to be a “decisive enabler” of Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine.

China, along with Brazil, has proposed general principles aimed at ending the conflict.