Chinese and Russian presidents spoke on Friday by video. The reports of the exchanges between the two men betray in particular a difference in sensitive views on the conflict in Ukraine.
by Frédéric Lemaître (Beijing, correspondent)
The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, spoke by video on Friday, December 30. The reports of the nature of their exchanges, made by each of the parties, differ significantly. According to Vladimir Putin, the two leaders have “the intention of strengthening cooperation between the Armed Forces of Russia and China”. However, if the two countries regularly carry out joint military maneuvers – this was still the case from December 21 to 27 at the Sea of Eastern China -, China has so far been abstained to deliver weapons to Russia, which is Provides to Iran and, according to Washington, North Korea.
The Chinese press release, for its part, not evokes military cooperation explicitly. “China and Russia should strengthen their strategic coordination to provide more benefits to the two peoples and inject more stability into the world,” said Xi Jinping in an evasive way. However, Vladimir Putin attaches importance on this subject. “The military and technical cooperation which contributes to the security of our countries and the maintenance of stability in the key regions has a special place” in Russian-Chinese cooperation, he said. For the Chinese leader, the two parties “should continue to make good use of existing mechanisms to promote progress in cooperation on the economy, trade, energy, finance and agriculture”.
As if Beijing intended to come out of a head to head with Moscow, the press release precise:
“China is ready to work with Russia and all progressive forces in the world that stand against hegemonism and power policy to jointly oppose unilateralism, protectionism and intimidation And to firmly safeguard the sovereignty, security and interests of the two countries [in matters of] development as well as in matters of equity and international justice. “
The Chinese press release continues by presenting the statements of Vladimir Putin who welcomed that “in the midst of a complex and serious international situation”, relations between China and Russia have become “more resilient, mature and stable “. In addition, according to the Russian press release, Vladimir Putin announced that Xi Jinping would come “in the spring” 2023 in Russia for “a state visit”. But, again, the Chinese press release does not mention this trip at any time.
“Resolve the conflict through diplomatic negotiations”
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