Moscow [Russia], May 9: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their close partnership, which has been in the auto and energy sectors, during a Thursday meeting in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
"Against the backdrop of a difficult geopolitical situation and global uncertainty, the Russian-Chinese foreign policy connection is the most important stabilizing factor on the international stage," said Putin.
China is a key buyer of Russian raw materials such as gas and oil, the sale of which fuels Russia's war chest for the conflict it started with Ukraine more than three years ago.
Russian Energy Minister Sergei Zivilyov, referring to EU plans to stop using Russian gas by 2027, stated that Moscow would find other buyers. He once again described the Western sanctions imposed in response to Russia's war against Ukraine as illegal.
The more Russia has become estranged from the West, the more it has been relying on its strategic partnership with China. According to official figures, bilateral trade volume rose to $245 billion last year.
Xi stated that Russia and China had deepened their mutual political trust during the meeting in light of unprecedented global changes, the Chinese state agency Xinhua reported.
Russia is an important market for Chinese cars and with US tariffs currently in place, China said it wants to work with Russia to defend the interests of both countries against "unilateralism and bullying." That term is a phrase China uses in reference to its trade disputes with the United States. Unilateralism refers to a state's strategy of prioritizing its own interests without regard for international partners or organizations.
The Kremlin leader had invited Xi as the main guest for the celebrations commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Moscow traditionally marks the end of the war on May 9 with a large military parade in Red Square.
The display of weaponry has drawn criticism, particularly in the West, due to Putin's war against Ukraine.
China officially describes itself as neutral in the Ukraine war. However, the country has faced international criticism for supporting Russia during the invasion.
China celebrates the end of World War II in early September. Putin said he plans to make a reciprocal visit to the People's Republic at that time.
Source: Qatar Tribune