Relations between Russia and China are “at an unprecedented high level” as the “illegitimate sanctions pressure from the West as a whole” has increased, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Western pressure is strengthening Russia’s relations with China, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing on Wednesday.
Russia is increasingly turning to China for diplomatic and economic support as it finds itself increasingly internationally isolated due to its invasion of Ukraine.
In his remarks at the beginning of a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Mishustin made no mention of the 15-month war, which China, out of deference to Moscow, has not criticized.
Instead, he focused on economic cooperation between the two neighbors, who have joined forces to challenge US influence in global affairs.
Relations between the two countries are “at an unprecedented high level” as “the West as a whole imposes increasing pressure of unlawful sanctions,” Mishustin said.
China says it is neutral on relations between Russia and Ukraine and wants to help negotiate an end to the conflict. However, she accused the West of provoking Moscow and maintained close diplomatic and trade relations with Russia, despite the sanctions imposed on Russia.
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China’s special envoy met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other government officials in Kiev this month. The visit was followed by a phone call between Ukraine’s leader and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping last month, which Zelensky called “protracted and significant” and marked the first contact between the two leaders since the Russian invasion began.
Beijing released a peace plan in February, but Ukraine’s allies largely rejected it, insisting that Russian President Vladimir Putin must withdraw his troops.
Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace plan includes a tribunal to try Russia’s war crimes.
Mishustin on Wednesday stressed Russia’s role as an oil and gas supplier to China and its longstanding friendship as a communist ally.
“The peoples of Russia and China value their history, traditions and rich culture. We support the further development of our culture, our exchange and our communication,” he said.
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