China has praised its historically strong relations with Russia and called for increased coordination on security, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific region. This statement, made by China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday, follows a visit to Moscow by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
The foreign ministry emphasized that China and Russia should act as “anchors of stability” in the face of global changes. Sun Weidong highlighted that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, the relationship between the two nations is at its strongest historical point.
Despite these affirmations, the deepening alliance between Beijing and Moscow continues to raise concerns in the West. The increased cooperation in trade and defense, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, has heightened Western apprehension. Beijing has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions, and relations remain robust despite the geopolitical tensions.
The West has reacted with skepticism, especially as Chinese companies face blacklisting by the United States and European Union for allegedly assisting Russia in evading sanctions. In response, Beijing has criticized these measures and defended its economic interactions with Moscow.
China, benefiting from discounted energy imports and access to Russia’s vast natural resources, views the partnership as advantageous. However, there is some apprehension in Moscow regarding China’s interest in Russia’s resource-rich far-eastern region.
Sun Weidong underscored the importance of deepening “coordination” in the Asia-Pacific region and highlighted the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional group focused on political, economic, and security issues. He stressed that both nations should work together to strengthen the SCO’s role as a stabilizing force and enhance regional security and development.