Putin's 25th visit to China: leaders discuss global "turbulence", Iran and extending partnership

Talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin are continuing in Beijing. According to media reports, this marks Putin's 25th visit to China during his quarter of a century in power in Russia.

Source: CNN with reference to Chinese state-run media outlets; Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlets RIA Novosti, TASS, RBC, Interfax; BBC News Russian; Putin's video address, as reported by the Russian Telegram channel Vy Slushali ("You Were Listening")

Details: According to CNN, Xi described relations with Russia as an oasis of "calm amid chaos" during the meeting with Putin.

He said that "the international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, while unilateral hegemonic currents are running rampant".

Xi added that China and Russia should therefore strengthen their "comprehensive strategic coordination".

The Chinese leader also directly addressed the topic of the US and Israel's war against Iran, saying that its "early end" would help reduce disruptions to energy supplies, supply chains and trade.

"A comprehensive cessation of war brooks no delay, restarting hostilities is even less desirable, and persisting with negotiations is particularly important," Xi said.

Putin also spoke about global tensions and the importance of cooperation between Russia and China.

"In the current tense international situation, close ties between Russia and China are especially needed... Our cooperation in foreign policy affairs is one of the main stabilising factors on the international stage," Putin said.

Putin, who has launched and continues to wage a war against Ukraine that has lasted for more than a decade, also claimed, as is his wont, that Russia supports respect for sovereignty and democracy.

"Together with our Chinese friends, we uphold cultural and civilisational diversity and respect for the sovereign development of states, and strive to build a fairer and more democratic world order," the Russian leader stated.

Putin also asked to be included in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for November.

"We are increasing coordination within the United Nations, BRICS, the G20 and other platforms. We will continue active cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I am confident that together we will mark the SCO's 25th anniversary this year in a fitting manner, as it has become an excellent example of fair problem-solving and promoting integration across a large common region. We fully support China's work in moderating the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum this year. For my part, I would also like to confirm my readiness to take part in the summit in Shenzhen in November this year," Putin said.

Media outlets also report that Russia and China have agreed to extend the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

CNN noted that Putin and Xi Jinping have met more than 40 times during their years in power.

"For Xi, hosting leaders of both the US and Russia – two nations both mired in conflict – in the space of a few days is a boon as he aims to cement China's reputation as a global powerbroker," CNN emphasised.

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