Xi pledges ‘world peace’ in New Year’s message to Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his commitment to fostering “world peace” in a New Year’s message directed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by state media on Tuesday.

“Regardless of how the international landscape evolves, China will remain resolute in its efforts to deepen reform comprehensively… and to advance world peace and development,” Xi stated, according to the state broadcaster CCTV.

Since the onset of Putin’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China has aimed to position itself as a neutral entity, in contrast to the United States and other Western countries.

However, it continues to maintain a close political and economic alliance with Russia, prompting some NATO members to label Beijing as an “enabler” of the conflict, which China has not condemned.

As reported by CCTV, Xi conveyed to Putin: “Amid unprecedented changes and a turbulent international environment, China and Russia have consistently progressed together along the correct path of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.”

The two leaders maintain a robust personal connection, with Xi referring to his Russian counterpart as his “best friend,” while Putin values him as a “reliable partner.”

Their alliance has remained steadfast even amid a decade of escalating tensions with Western nations, particularly highlighted by Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Xi pointed out to Putin that 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, which he described as “a new important milestone in the relationship between the two countries,” as reported by CCTV.

“After three-quarters of a century filled with various challenges, the relationship between China and Russia has grown increasingly mature and stable,” Xi stated, according to CCTV.