Relations between Russia and China are “a friendship between gentlemen,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on March 24, according to the Global Times on Twitter. Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is not an alliance and is not directed against third countries, Mao Ning said.
This is how the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to a question from a reporter asking it to comment on Washington’s reaction to the results of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow.
White House Representative John Kirby on March 22 appreciated economic cooperation plan between Russia and China until 2030 and said that the United States does not support any measures aimed at reducing Russia’s isolation. “We do not support any effort to strengthen or improve <…> economy (of Russia)," Kirby said. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also accused the United States of aggravating the crisis in Ukraine. "China is playing a constructive role in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis", while the United States is "adding fuel to the flames" by obstructing other countries' efforts in the peace talks. “What is the United States trying to accomplish? Mao Ning summed it up rhetorically. Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia took place from March 20 to 22. During the trip, the Chinese leader met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and also took part in talks in an expanded format, which were attended by members of the government, the Security Council and leaders large private and state companies. - owned companies. It was Xi's first trip to Russia since 2019. The meetings resulted in the signing of two joint statements and a whole set of documents on deepening economic cooperation. The parties agreed to focus on the development of trade in electrical products and petroleum products and to organize business planning in the information technology sector and resource trade. To this end, Russia and China intend to improve border infrastructure and increase the efficiency of customs clearance and inspection procedures. Among other things, the two countries will increase the level of financial cooperation through the use of national currencies in bilateral trade, investment and lending. On political issues, Russia and China have paved the way for further rapprochement, said "superior democracy" does not exist, and expressed concern about US nuclear security activities. On the Ukrainian issue, the parties adhered to different formulations - China again reiterated that it adheres to the peaceful resolution of the conflict, and Moscow positively assessed the "objective and impartial position" of the Chinese partners.
