In the tensions surrounding the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, Russia and China are looming. For the first time since the invasion began, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in person with his colleague Wang Yi on Wednesday in Tunxi, in southeastern China’s Anhui Province, who welcomed him as a “Old friend”. Both sides emphasized the quality of the relationship and agreed to further expand cooperation.
Russian Foreign Minister briefed Wang Yi about the “special military operation” in Ukraine, as Russia calls the war. According to Chinese statements, Lavrov assured that his country wants to “reduce tensions” and continue peace talks. China’s foreign minister has given political support to Russia, calling the Ukraine issue the result not only of an old security conflict, but also of “the cold war mentality and confrontation”.
Beijing sees the US and NATO as the culprits
In the Ukraine conflict, China still refuses to condemn the invasion. Instead, Beijing portrays the US and NATO as the main culprits in the crisis.
“Russia-China cooperation knows no borders,” Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters. “We work for peace without borders, true security without borders, we reject hegemony.” With this reference to domain policy, China is always targeting the US.
China supports peace talks to achieve “cooling on the ground” as soon as possible and avoid a major humanitarian crisis, Wang Yi said, according to his ministry.
Lavrov travels to India
The reason for the meeting was two-day talks in China on Afghanistan, which were also attended by representatives of the US, neighboring countries and the Taliban government that has been in power since August. Lavrov wanted to travel from China to India, where he is expected on Thursday.
In a joint statement, Lavrov and Wang Yi agreed to expand their “strategic partnership” in a “difficult international situation”, according to the Moscow Foreign Ministry. They also wanted to more closely coordinate their foreign policy and present a common position internationally. “We will move together with you and other like-minded people towards a multipolar, just and democratic world order,” Lavrov told Wang Yi, according to Russian state news agency Tass.