Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his openness to dialogue regarding the Ukraine crisis, highlighting the significant role China plays in seeking a political settlement.
In a written interview with Xinhua ahead of his two-day state visit to China, Putin commended China's comprehensive understanding of the crisis and its global implications as outlined in the \"China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.\" He noted that the document's 12-point proposition reflects China's genuine desire to stabilize the situation.
Putin emphasized that the four principles for a peaceful resolution recently proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping align seamlessly with China's broader strategy. \"The steps build on the idea that we need to forego the 'Cold War mentality' and ensure indivisible security and respect for international law and the UN Charter in their entirety and interrelation,\" he stated.
Reiterating Russia's commitment to a peaceful resolution, Putin said, \"We have never refused to negotiate. We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable, and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means. We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours.\"
Strengthening Russia-China Relations
Beyond the Ukraine crisis, Putin highlighted the flourishing bilateral relations between Russia and China. He noted that trade between the two nations has doubled over the past five years, with China remaining Russia's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years. In 2023, Russia ranked as the fourth largest trading partner of China. Impressively, over 90 percent of transactions between Russian and Chinese companies are settled in their national currencies.
Putin also pointed to the robust strategic cooperation in the energy sector, ongoing large-scale energy projects, and the positive dynamics of Russian agricultural exports to China. He expressed optimism about future collaborations in industries such as high-tech, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and outer space, aiming to foster innovation and economic growth.
Cultural Exchanges Flourish
The years 2024 and 2025 have been designated as the Years of Culture between Russia and China. Putin highlighted the growing interest in Chinese culture within Russia, with approximately 90,000 Russian students studying Chinese across various educational levels. Cultural exchanges have been thriving, with successful tours, exhibitions featuring Chinese artists, and a surge in tourism—over 730,000 Russian citizens visited China last year.
Putin shared his personal admiration for Chinese traditions and arts, mentioning his appreciation for martial arts like Wushu and Chinese philosophy. He expressed a commitment to further enriching the cultural ties between the two nations, aiming to introduce the rich and diverse heritage of Russia to Chinese audiences.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
