Russia and China are increasing their energy cooperation also in the field of nuclear power, Putin, who is visiting Beijing, said.
BEIJING China and Russia are even closer strategic partners, but not allies.
This was the key message that the presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping wanted to convey at a press conference after their meeting in Beijing.
The press conference was organized at short notice. The leaders did not take questions from the audience, which consisted only of Chinese and Russian state media.
– Our countries have a similar approach to many global and regional problems. However, both pursue independent foreign policy, Putin said.
Xi emphasized that Russia is a “close partner” with China.
– The good relationship between China and Russia has been built with hard work, and it must be constantly taken care of, he said.
The wording of the leaders is important, because the Chinese leadership is careful not to call Russia an ally.
Putin and Xi spoke only indirectly about Russia’s war of aggression, which China has not condemned. They said they hoped for a political solution to Ukraine.
According to Xi, China is ready to act as a mediator in resolving conflicts in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
A message to the United States about electric cars
Putin’s two-day visit will be overshadowed by US accusations that China is financing the Russian war machine. China buys most of the natural gas that Russia previously sold to Europe.
According to Putin, Russia and China are increasing their mutual energy cooperation and are now expanding it to, among other things, the peaceful use of nuclear power.
Trade between the two countries has grown strongly in the last two years. According to Putin, 90 percent of Russia’s foreign trade is already done in Chinese renminbi.
The trade will be increased, for example, in China’s new successful product, electric cars.
President Joh Biden on Tuesday imposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars so heavy that they effectively drive Chinese cars out of the United States.
According to Putin, Russia is now ready to buy significantly more Chinese electric cars than at present.
In March and April, there was a surprising drop in China’s export figures to Russia, which is thought to be due to the US sanctions against Russia. During the visit, Putin and Xi are believed to be looking for ways for the countries to circumvent the sanctions.
The visit continues on Thursday evening and Friday in Harbin in Northeast China.