China leans toward Russia on Ukraine war, signs agreement to deepen cooperation

Chinese leader Xi Jinping appeared to edge closer to Russia’s position on its war against Ukraine while maintaining China’s official stance of neutrality, Reuters reports.

During a meeting with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin on May 7, Xi supported certain elements of the Kremlin’s narrative and signed an agreement to strengthen strategic cooperation between China and Russia, 

Xi described the China-Russia relationship as “friends of steel” and pledged to elevate their cooperation to a new level while “decisively” opposing U.S. influence.

In a joint statement, the two sides echoed Russian talking points, stating that the war in Ukraine could only end once its “root causes” are addressed — referring to the unfounded reasons the Kremlin used to justify its invasion, including Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.

“At talks in the Kremlin, the two leaders cast themselves as defenders of a new world order no longer dominated by the U.S.,” Reuters said.

The two countries agreed to deepen collaboration in all areas, including military matters, and to “strengthen coordination” to firmly counter Washington’s “dual containment” strategy targeting both Russia and China.

Xi emphasized the need to solidify the foundation of their partnership and remove “external interference,” saying that China and Russia must become “true friends of steel that have been through a hundred trials by fire.”

Both nations also committed to working together to oppose “bullying.”

“Xi’s participation – and the joint statement aligning China with Russia’s view of the conflict – provide Putin with an important boost as Russia comes under pressure from the United States to end the war,” Reuters said.

Xi arrived in Moscow on May 7 to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade and engage in discussions with Putin.