Samarkand, Uzbekistan- Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has vowed to continue working with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Xi made the remarks on Thursday at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (which has been meeting for over two decades and brings together nearly half the planet’s population, encompassing eight States that cover over half the world’s territory), where he said he is willing to work alongside Putin to increase stability in the world.
“China is willing to make efforts with Russia to assume the role of great powers, and play a guiding role to inject stability and positive energy into a world rocked by social turmoil,” said Xi.
At the same time, Putin highlighted the multifaceted ties the two countries have forged, in particular their trade relationship, emphasizing the exchange of US$140 billion in trade with Beijing last year, and noting that the volume had increased 25 percent in the first half of 2022 and said he hoped the figure could reach US$200 billion by the end of the year.
“Overall I have to say that attempts at creating a unipolar world have been quite ugly and unacceptable as of late for the majority of the nations on this planet.
(However), we highly value the balanced approach of our Chinese friends when it comes to the Ukrainian crisis.
The organization (referring to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization) includes countries with different cultural and civilizational traditions, foreign policy guidelines and models of national development. However, building work on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, respect for each other’s sovereignty and refusal to interfere in internal affairs made it possible to turn this organization into an effective mechanism for multilateral cooperation,” said Putin.
However, White House spokesperson, John Kirby said on Thursday that the United States (US) wants China to side with Washington and its allies in opposing Russia and its military operation in Ukraine.
“Our message to China has been consistent, this is not the time for any kind of business as usual with Putin. We don’t think that this is the time for anybody to be on the sidelines. The whole world should be lined up against what Mr. Putin is doing,” said Kirby.
Nevertheless, China has refused to condemn or sanction Russia over its offensive in Ukraine but has called on Russia and Ukraine to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
