Xi outlines vision for China-Russia relations 

The Chinese president says Beijing and Moscow should further deepen economic ties while defending the UN-centered global system

Beijing and Moscow should further deepen their already strong economic cooperation while defending global stability, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at talks with counterpart Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan on Tuesday. He also stressed that Sino-Russian ties have been steadily developing in recent years despite the turbulent geopolitical situation.    

The leaders of the countries making up the group were joined by those from aspiring member states for the 16th annual BRICS summit in the capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic. Russia holds the rotating chairmanship of the group this year.   

Commenting on relations with Moscow, Xi stated that “despite the chaotic and confused external situation, trade and cooperation in other spheres between the two countries are actively developing,” as evidenced by a number of large-scale joint projects.  

Chinese TV quoted the president as stressing the importance of further enhancing the bilateral economic partnership as part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the Eurasian Economic Union.  

According to the Chinese leader, having weathered the storms of the “fickle international situation,” ties between Beijing and Moscow are currently at an “unprecedented level.” He attributed this success to the fact that both countries adhere to “non-confrontational principles.”  

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Xi went on to stress that as great powers, “Russia and China should firmly defend the international system, which has the United Nations as its cornerstone, [and] together support global strategic stability.” 

Following the meeting, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that the conversation between the two leaders had been “very candid, business-like [and] constructive.”  

“Once again, a considerable convergence of stances and approaches with respect to what is going on in the world has been stated,” he added.  

Bilateral trade volume amounted to $82 billion over the first nine months of this year, with the figure on track to beat the record set in 2023, according to Russian outlets, citing Chinese customs data. In August, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin estimated that over 95% of mutual settlements between Russia and China are now conducted using the ruble or yuan.