Putin Welcomes Senior Chinese Diplomat to Moscow to Strengthen Relations

On Wednesday, Russia and China showed growing ties in a series of meetings in Moscow that closely watched for signs that Beijing might offer stronger support to the Kremlin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, described international relations as “difficult”.

Wang’s visit to Moscow just a few days before first anniversary of the Ukrainian war is a strong signal from Beijing to both Russia and the United States.

Putin warmly welcomed Wang, saying that their countries have a common strategic interest in standing together on the world stage.

“Cooperation in the international arena between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, as we have repeatedly said, is very important for stabilizing the international situation,” Putin said.

China has refused to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And Wang hinted that the US would not force him to do so.

Relations between Russia and the West are at their lowest point since the Cold War, and relations between China and the US are also under serious strain.

Moscow suspended its participation in the last remaining nuclear disarmament treaty with Washington, known as START, on Tuesday.

In recent days, the US and NATO have expressed concern that China may be supplying arms and ammunition to Russia.

Beijing has denied the allegations and has previously condemned Washington for supplying weapons to Ukraine.

Before meeting with Putin, Vanga held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.