Xi promises 'world peace' in New Year's message to Putin
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In his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a welcoming ceremony prior to a festive reception at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 (AP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to promote "world peace" in a New Year's message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to state media reports on Tuesday.
"No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in further comprehensively deepening reform... and promoting world peace and development," Xi said, as quoted by state broadcaster CCTV.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, China has positioned itself as a neutral party, in contrast to the US and other Western nations. However, China has maintained a close political and economic relationship with Russia.
In his message to Putin, Xi emphasized, "In the face of rapidly evolving changes not seen in a century and the turbulent international situation, China and Russia have consistently moved forward hand-in-hand along the correct path of non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party."
The big picture
The two leaders share a strong personal relationship, with Xi referring to Putin as his "best friend" and Putin calling Xi a "reliable partner."
This bond has endured even as both countries faced increasing tensions with Western nations, particularly over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Xi also highlighted that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, calling it "a new important milestone in the relationship between the two countries."
He added, "After three-quarters of a century of ups and downs, China-Russia relations have become increasingly mature and stable," according to CCTV.
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