BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for China and Russia to lead the reform of global governance during a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of the Russian parliament’s upper house, in Beijing on Monday, according to state media.
Xi praised the strategic partnership between China and Russia, stating that it was based on the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. He highlighted the importance of strengthening communication and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the BRICS countries. Xi urged both nations to guide global governance reform in the right direction and safeguard the common interests of emerging market countries and developing nations.
The meeting took place as Western leaders gathered in Lithuania’s capital for a summit focused on Ukraine’s potential membership in the NATO military alliance. While China maintains a neutral stance on the conflict, its reluctance to condemn Russia’s invasion has raised concerns among Kyiv’s allies, who accuse China of favoring Russia.
Strategic Partnership Between China and Russia
Matviyenko echoed Xi’s sentiments, stating that the strategic partnership between China and Russia had reached its highest level in history and continued to develop steadily. She highlighted President Xi’s visit to Moscow in March, which injected momentum into the further development of Russia-China relations.
President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to working with Russia to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership characterized by mutual assistance, deep integration, innovation, and inclusive cooperation in the new era.
