Numerous agreements inked between Russia & China as Xi concludes Moscow visit

During latter’s three-day visit to Moscow, Russian President Vlimir Putin and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping signed over a dozen agreements aimed at expanding co-operation between ir two countries. agreements covered a range of fields, including tre, industry, science, and military. In dition to se topics, leers also discussed prospects for peace in Ukraine.

“This is an example of how world powers, who are permanent members of UN Security Council and have a special responsibility for maintaining stability and security on planet, should interact,” Putin said at ceremonial dinner following hours-long talks at highest level in Kremlin.

During a toast at meeting, Russian President Vlimir Putin quoted from 'I Ching' or ' Book of Changes', stating that people of Russia and China share a "common soul" and possess collective strength to overcome any challenge toger.

In a press briefing following talks, Putin stated that relationship between China and Russia was currently at its highest point in history. He also emphasised that tre and economic co-operation were primary focus of both governments.

Increased military co-operation

Putin characterised relationship between Russia and China as distinct from military-political alliances that emerged during Cold War. He stated that ir relationship is "superior to that form of interstate co-operation" and is not confrontational in nature.

As part of ir increased co-operation, Moscow and Beijing have agreed to regularly conduct joint maritime and air patrols, along with joint military exercises. y also aim to develop military exchange and cooperation using all available bilateral mechanisms, and increase mutual trust between ir armed forces.

After first round of meetings on Monday, Xi emphasised that China's decision to foster relations with Russia is a strategic choice based on its own fundamental interests and prevailing trends of world. He explained that two nations share a commitment to building a multipolar world, and this shared goal is a key factor in ir deepening cooperation.

China’s Ukraine peace proposal

Russian president has praised peace romap presented by China last month, stating that many of its components can serve as a basis for a peaceful resolution when West and Kyiv are prepared for it.

Putin once again claimed that representatives of White House and US State Department were opposed to any ceasefire in Ukraine, despite ir previous statements that y would support Kyiv in its decisions. This contricts ir earlier stance and suggests that y are not currently willing to discuss peace in region, said Putin.

“We’re always for peace and dialogue, and we firmly stand on right side of history,” said Xi.

Economy & Tre enhancement

China's tre with Russia reached a record high in 2022, increasing by 30% despite efforts by West to impose sanctions on Moscow. Bilateral tre between two nations is expected to exceed $200 billion this year, with two-thirds of tre denominated in yuan and rubles as both countries seek to reduce ir dependence on US dollar.

Putin has expressed support for use of Chinese yuan in tre settlements with or countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

During ir meeting, Xi and Putin discussed various ways to enhance ir countries' co-operation, reported RT. y talked about expanding scale of tre, improving logistics and cross-border infrastructure, increasing agricultural co-operation to ensure food security for both nations, and enhancing co-operation in exchange of energy, minerals, metals, and chemical products. ditionally, China and Russia committed to expanding collaboration in fields of technology, information technology, and artificial intelligence.

“By joining our rich scientific potentials and production capabilities, Russia and China can become world leers in fields of information technology, network security, and artificial intelligence,” Putin told reporters.

Numerous signed agreements

On Monday, Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow for a three-day visit, and by Tuesday evening, summit h resulted in signing of 14 agreements, including statements, protocols, memoranda, and or forms of agreements.

In two joint statements issued during summit, Russia and China vowed to “deepen relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction entering a new era”. y also agreed to establish a development plan by 2030 for critical areas of economic co-operation.

A protocol was signed between ministries of science to strengn co-operation in field of "fundamental scientific research," while anor protocol established a mechanism for future presidential meetings on a regular basis.

It was also announced that Russia and China would collaborate on producing joint television programming, as Russian public brocaster VGTRK and China Media Group signed a memorandum of co-operation. In dition, state news agencies Tass and Xinhua signed an agreement to exchange information.

In dition to previous agreements, six more memoranda of understanding were signed between governments of Russia and China, covering areas such as tre, forestry, agriculture, consumer protections, and infrastructure in Russia's Far East. Furrmore, Rosatom and Chinese atomic energy agency signed an agreement to develop a long-term co-operation programme in field of fast neutron reactors and closing of nuclear fuel cycle.

Before Xi Jinping's visit to Russia, he and Putin wrote opinion articles in ir countries' main newspapers. Xi also extended an invitation for Putin to attend third Belt and Ro Forum for International Co-operation, which will be held in Beijing later this year.