Xi calls for closer China-Russia coordination amid global tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on Wednesday, emphasising the need for deeper strategic coordination between the two countries, according to state media.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi called on China and Russia to strengthen cooperation and “firmly defend their legitimate interests and safeguard the unity of Global South countries”, China’s Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi also described the stability and continuity of China-Russia relations as particularly “precious” in what he characterised as a rapidly changing and uncertain international environment, according to The Associated Press.

While official Chinese summaries of the meeting did not directly reference the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, Xi’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing concerns over global supply chains. In particular, attention has focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy and fertiliser exports, where disruptions have raised the risk of broader economic impacts.

The waterway has seen a sharp decline in maritime traffic since late February, when hostilities escalated. The situation has placed additional pressure on global energy markets, as the strait previously accounted for around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments.

Speaking after his meeting with Xi, Lavrov said Russia could help support China’s energy needs under current conditions, noting Moscow’s capacity to supply resources as transport routes remain constrained.

Earlier in the week, Lavrov also held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Discussions covered a range of international issues, including developments in the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine, according to Chinese broadcaster CGTN.

China and Russia maintain close economic and political ties, underpinned by a strategic partnership agreement signed in 2022. The framework continues to guide cooperation across multiple sectors.

Lavrov’s visit to Beijing coincided with a series of high-level meetings between Xi and other international leaders. Among them were Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vietnam’s President To Lam.

In his meeting with Sanchez, Xi pointed to what he described as a period of “chaos and turmoil” globally and called for enhanced international cooperation. In talks with the UAE crown prince, he said China would play a “constructive role” in supporting peace efforts in the Middle East.

Xi also met with Vietnam’s To Lam on Wednesday, with the two sides signing several cooperation agreements, according to state media. The visit marked Lam’s first overseas trip since assuming the presidency last week.

Lam has described relations with China as a “top priority”, while continuing to manage Vietnam’s economic ties with both China and the United States.