Xi Jinping backed Putin

In a joint statement after the talks, the leaders of China and Russia noted that the conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved by addressing its root causes. This wording clearly echoes key messages of Russian propaganda that the Kremlin uses to justify launching a full-scale war - in particular, the threat of NATO expansion, discrimination against Russian speakers, and the oppression of the Russian language, culture and media in Ukraine, Reuters reported.

Xi Jinping's participation - as well as a joint statement that aligns China's position with Russia's view of the conflict - provides Putin with important support amid U.S. pressure to end the war.

Xi Jinping said Russia and China should be “true friends of steel, hardened through hundreds of trials.”

Xi Jinping and Putin pledged to strengthen coordination in all spheres, particularly the military, and resolutely oppose Washington's course of dual containment of China and Russia. The leaders testified their intention to personally supervise key areas of cooperation and achieve growth in trade and investment until 2030.

Photo: Kremlin.ru.