Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two pillars of the anti-U.S. coalition, reaffirmed their strong bilateral relationship through a summit. In particular, Xi noted that "we will bear special responsibility alongside Russia against unilateralism and bullying," taking a pointed jab at the United States.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi and Putin held talks on the 8th at the Georgievsky Hall of the Kremlin in Moscow. Xi is on a four-day state visit to Russia starting from the day before to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory in World War II (Victory Day) on the 9th. This marks the third meeting between the two leaders this year, following a video conference in January and a phone call in February.
Xi referred to Putin as "my long-time comrade," showcasing their strong relationship. He said, "As history and reality have already proven sufficiently, the continuous development and deepening of China-Russia relations is a natural duty to carry on the friendship passed down through generations between the peoples of the two countries, and an inevitable choice to promote mutual achievements and each side's development and revival," adding that it also aims to "safeguard international fairness and justice and push forward the historical mission of reforming the global governance system."
He also made remarks hinting at the current hegemonic struggle involving the United States. Xi stated, "We are currently facing a backlash of unilateralism and acts of hegemonic bullying in the international community," asserting, "China, alongside Russia, bears special responsibility as major global powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council."
He continued, "We must together develop the correct historical perspective on World War II, uphold the authority and status of the United Nations, and firmly defend the authority of both China and Russia, as well as many developing countries." He added that they would "work together to promote a multipolar world that is fair and orderly and an economic globalization that benefits everyone."
Putin also referred to Xi as "dear comrade," expressing intimacy. He stated, "Together with our Chinese friends, we will firmly preserve the historical truth and memory of the time of war and respond to the contemporary manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism." He proposed that during Xi's visit to Russia, they should exchange views on the overall relationship between the two countries, emphasizing that "the relationship between Russia and China is mutually beneficial and is being developed not against other countries but for the benefit of our peoples."
Xi and Putin are scheduled to meet again in September. Xi has invited Putin to China's 80th anniversary celebration of its victory in the anti-Japanese war (September 3). Putin confirmed his attendance, stating, "I am pleased to officially visit friendly China again during this period."