Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on Wednesday. Following their talks, the two leaders issued a strong joint statement criticizing Japan. They accused Tokyo of pursuing an accelerated path toward remilitarization. Both presidents declared that Japan currently poses a serious threat to peace and stability across Asia.
The Russian and Chinese leaders expressed deep concern regarding extreme provocations from Japanese right-wing political forces. These political groups want Japan to revise its three historic non-nuclear principles. Those strict rules currently prohibit Tokyo from possessing, producing, or allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into its territory.
This severe warning against Japan follows months of strained relations in the region. Last November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made controversial remarks about a potential crisis involving Taiwan. Beijing aggressively criticized her comments through diplomatic channels and state media. Chinese officials argued that Takaichi openly challenged the established international order that followed World War 2.
Takaichi holds a strong reputation as a national security hawk. Political experts interpreted her November comments as a signal that Japan might deploy its defense forces to help the United States if mainland China attacked Taiwan. China claims the self-governed island as part of its own sovereign territory. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Xi stressed that China and Russia must oppose any actions that deny the victory of World War 2 or attempt to revive fascism.
Beyond regional disputes, Xi and Putin used their meeting at the Great Hall of the People to reaffirm their strong political unity. The two governments agreed to boost their energy cooperation immediately. This decision comes as global crude oil prices surge because of the ongoing military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The recent military strikes against Iran started in late February and forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway acts as a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments. Xi called the current situation in the Middle East a critical juncture. He urged all sides to end hostilities and continue negotiations to ease the massive disruptions to the global energy supply. Putin reassured his partner that Russia will remain a highly reliable supplier of natural resources during the crisis.
During the summit, the Chinese and Russian presidents officially extended their bilateral Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. The two nations originally signed this security and cooperation agreement in 2001. They previously extended the treaty for 5 years back in 2021.
The leaders did not stop at a single agreement. Xi and Putin signed a second joint statement advocating for a multipolar world. Furthermore, the two presidents signed exactly 40 different cooperation documents during their time together, covering various economic and political sectors.
The first joint statement also addressed the ongoing tension surrounding North Korea. China and Russia firmly opposed using diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, and military pressure to threaten Pyongyang. They urged all relevant countries to stop escalating tensions and take real steps to eliminate the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula.
Moscow and Pyongyang steadily increased their military cooperation after Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Meanwhile, China continues to act as the primary economic benefactor for North Korea, supplying the isolated nation with food and fuel.
Looking ahead, Putin confirmed he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen will host this major forum in November. A Russian presidential aide said that Putin might even meet with United States President Donald Trump at the upcoming event. Putin also formally invited Xi to visit Russia next year.
To wrap up his 25th visit to China, Putin held a separate meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Li expressed a strong readiness to expand trade between the two nations. He wants to deepen collaboration in energy, agriculture, and green development. China and Russia continue to strengthen their partnership as Beijing actively opposes Western sanctions placed on Moscow.
