Xi calls for higher-quality China-Russia coordination

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for driving the development and revitalisation of China and Russia through their comprehensive strategic coordination of even higher quality. Xi made the remarks while holding talks with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi said the international situation is fluid and turbulent. "Unilateralism and hegemonism are resurging, yet peace, development and cooperation remain the aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend of our times," he noted. "As permanent members of the UN Security Council and important major countries in the world, China and Russia should take a strategic and long-term perspective, drive the development and revitalisation of our respective countries through comprehensive strategic coordination of even higher quality, and work to make the global governance system more just and reasonable," Xi said. Xi and Putin agreed to continue the extension of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. On the Middle East, Xi said all hostilities must end immediately. He said the situation of the Gulf region is at a critical juncture between war and peace, and that renewed fighting should be avoided, and most importantly, negotiation should continue. An early end of the conflict will ease disruptions to the stability of energy supply, the functioning of industrial and supply chains and the international trade order, Xi said. "I have put forward four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East to further build international consensus, and help deescalate the situation, end hostilities and promote peace," Xi added. (Xinhua) Edited by Edmond Fong