Putin vows to deepen “comprehensive partnership” with China; Xi calls for Middle East ceasefire

BEIJING: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Russia and China would continue to develop their “comprehensive partnership,” describing ties with Beijing as having “stood the test of time” during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The meeting between the two leaders in Beijing underscored growing strategic alignment between Moscow and Beijing amid ongoing global tensions.

Putin said the bilateral relationship would be further strengthened across political, economic and security dimensions, according to remarks reported by Russian and Chinese state media.

During the talks, Xi Jinping also addressed the situation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation was “inadvisable” and urging a comprehensive ceasefire.

“A comprehensive ceasefire is of utmost urgency, resuming hostilities is even more inadvisable and maintaining negotiations is particularly important,” Xi told Putin, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency.

Xi’s remarks reflect Beijing’s continued call for restraint and dialogue amid heightened regional instability, while Russia has sought to maintain close coordination with China on major international conflicts.

The Kremlin has not immediately released additional details of the meeting, but both sides have in recent years repeatedly described their relationship as a “no limits” partnership, expanding cooperation in trade, energy and defence.

The Beijing talks come as both countries face complex relations with the West and seek to present a coordinated diplomatic front on key global issues, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.