“Putin is our old friend”: China

• We were together then and we are together today – Russia 

• China has supported Russia through trade

• Soviet Union had helped China

Vladimir Putin (left), Chinese President Xi Jinping (right)

Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping says, “Putin is my old friend” as he welcomes his Russian counterpart. This statement reinforces recently improved relations between China and Russia.

Putin mentioned Xi Jinping as “dear friend”. He said, “ the relations between both the countries have reached unprecedented heights. We were together then and we are together today.” After a formal talk, both the leaders have planned to meet again with their senior aides.

China is neutral in Ukraine war, however their continued trade with Russia has provided economic support to Russia. Western countries have imposed several sanctions on Russia. Some of the Chinese establishments also have been accused of abetting Russian defence industry.

Soviet Union remained neutral in Asia for much of second world war but in 1930 Russia helped China fight against Japan. In the last phase of the war Soviet Union declared war against Japan and sent their army to the North-Eastern China occupied by the Japanese.