Russia and China ties ‘strengthened by pressure from West’

Pressure from the West is strengthening Russia’s ties with China, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing.

Mr Mishustin’s visit comes as Russia is increasingly turning to China for diplomatic and economic support amid growing isolation over its invasion of Ukraine.

In opening remarks at his meeting on Wednesday with Chinese premier Li Qiang, Mr Mishustin did not mention the 15-month-old war that China has refused to criticise.

Relations between the two countries are “at an unprecedented high level” influenced by the “pressure of illegitimate sanctions from the collective West”, Mr Mishustin said.

China says it is a neutral party between Russia and Ukraine and wants to help broker an end to the conflict. However, it has blamed the West for provoking Moscow and has maintained strong diplomatic and trade ties with Russia in opposition to sanctions against it.

China’s special envoy met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other government officials during talks in Kyiv this month.

The visit followed a phone call last month between the Ukrainian leader and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that Mr Zelensky described as “long and meaningful” and which marked the first known contact between the two since the Russian invasion began.

Mr Zelensky’s own 10-point peace plan includes a tribunal to prosecute war crimes committed by Russia.

While sidestepping the conflict, Mr Mishustin emphasised Russia’s role as a provider of oil and gas to China and their bonds formed as initial allies among communist nations.

“The peoples of Russia and China cherish their history, rich culture and traditions. We support the further development of our culture, exchanges and communication,” Mr Mishustin said.