China-Russia ties are “solid as a rock,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday, assuring that relations between the two nations are “immune” to external attempts to sow discord and changes in the international environment.
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At the symposium on China’s international situation and foreign relations, Foreign Minister Wang defended Beijing’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine and proposed deepening ties with Russia in the coming year, hailing “historic breakthroughs” in Sino-Arab relations.
Wang also blamed the United States for deteriorating ties between the world’s two largest economies, saying Beijing has “strongly opposed” Washington’s “fake China policy.”
Wang called on the US side to change course, develop an objective and reasonable view of China, pursue positive and pragmatic policies, and work with Beijing to lay the pillars and a solid foundation for China’s healthy and stable growth .
On China-Russia relations, Wang noted that the two countries have deepened good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation over the past year, making the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership more mature and resilient.
The country has continued friendship and cooperation with Europe and continued to work for the healthy development of relations between the two sides, Wang added.
“On the basis of mutual respect and equality, we will continuously work with the European side to appropriately deal with differences and disagreements, strengthen strategic communication and result-oriented cooperation.”
In addition to “…acting together as an anchor of stability for the Eurasian continent and serving as a new engine for development and prosperity,” Wang said.
The foreign minister’s speech comes as Russia and China began naval exercises four days ago and will end on Dec. 27 in the waters of the East China Sea, according to Russian Defense Ministry statements.