Russia-China ties ‘stabilising’ force in world, Putin says before Xi talks

Russia’s Vladimir Putin is travelling to China for second meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in less than a year.Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed Moscow and Beijing’s deepening ties as a “stabilising” force on the world stage ahead of talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.In an address ahead of a two-day visit to China that begins on Tuesday, Putin said Moscow and Beijing do not wish to align against any other country but work together for “peace and universal prosperity.”Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4A redistricting re-do? What to know about Alabama’s primary electionslist 2 of 4Brazil call up Neymar to World Cup 2026 squadlist 3 of 4A packed race for governor: What to know about Oregon’s primary electionslist 4 of 4US suspends joint defence effort with Canada dating back to World War IIend of list“It is in this spirit that Moscow and Beijing coordinate efforts to defend international law and the principles of the UN-charter" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="38449" data-entity-type="organization">UN Charter in their entirety,” said Putin, whose Ukraine" class="entity-link entity-event" data-entity-id="129729" data-entity-type="event">invasion of Ukraine has been widely condemned as a violation of international law.Russia and China, Putin added, also support cooperation “within the framework of the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS, and other multilateral platforms, making a significant contribution to addressing pressing global and regional issues.”Moscow-Beijing relations have developed to an “unprecedented level”, Putin said, with the sides now supporting each other on such fundamental matters as the “protection of sovereignty and national unity”.“Russia and China look confidently towards the future, actively developing cooperation in politics, economics, defence, expanding cultural exchanges, and fostering interpersonal interaction, in essence, jointly doing everything to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance global development for the wellbeing of both nations,” Putin said in the speech aired by state media.Putin is scheduled to arrive in China on Tuesday evening ahead of talks with Xi on Wednesday.