Xi seeks end to Iran war

BEIJING TALKS | Russia-China bilateral trade crosses $200 billion as Vladimir Putin meets his ‘dear friend’ Xi Jinping

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for an immediate end to hostilities in West Asia, saying the situation had reached a “critical juncture”, as he held strategic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing amid escalating regional tensions. 

Welcoming Putin at the Great Hall of the People, Xi warned that renewed fighting in the Gulf must be avoided. He emphasised that an early peaceful resolution would ease critical disruptions to global energy supplies, industrial supply chains, and the international trade order.

The high-profile meeting occurred days after US President Donald Trump visited China to discuss the Iran-Israel conflict and trade frictions. Because China and Russia are key strategic partners of Iran, the international community is watching closely to see if they will influence Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sparked a global energy crisis. Notably, China imports nearly 90% of Iranian oil despite heavy US sanctions.

Xi described the global landscape as fluid and turbulent, taking a swipe at unilateralism and hegemonism. He urged closer coordination between Beijing and Moscow as permanent members of the UN Security Council to drive equitable global governance. Around 40 agreements are expected to be signed during Putin's 25th visit to China.

Putin described Xi as a “dear friend” and noted that bilateral ties have reached an unprecedented level. Ahead of the talks, Putin received a ceremonial welcome after being greeted by Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday night. In a pre-visit message, Putin highlighted that bilateral trade has crossed $200 billion, with transactions turning to roubles and yuan. 

The two leaders officially agreed to extend the 25-year-old China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation to advance their back-to-back strategic alignment. 

The two leaders' meeting ended without details on a natural gas pipeline between Russia and China.

— PTI