Putin Claims Russia-China Relationship 'Stabilising' For World

(MNI) London - In a high-profile two-day visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the 'no-limits partnership' between the two countries is a stabilising factor in the world. Putin: “Our cooperation in world affairs today is one of the main stabilising factors in the international arena...Together, we uphold the principles of justice and a democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities and is based on international law.” Xi said the two countries make "due contributions" to global stability.

• Putin is accompanied by new Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, as well as his predecessor Sergei Shoigu, now secretary of the National Security Council. Cooperation on defence and security is seen as a major topic of conversation in talks between Putin and Xi.
• Also in the Russian delegation are central bank head Elvira Nabiullina, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Maxim Oreshkin, Putin’s top economic aide. Putin talked up trade between the two countries, notably on vehicles. Putin: "We welcome Chinese carmakers in our market". Russia remains a major buyer of Chinese petrol-fuelled cars as the domestic market shifts towards EVs.
• Putin praised Xi's peace plan for Ukraine and thanked the Chinese leader for his stance. Xi said China supported a 'political solution' to the war.
• The US and EU have recently sought to try to place some pressure on Beijing with regards to its support for Russia, with Bloomberg noting, "the US has stepped up warnings to Chinese banks and exporters about consequences if they help to bolster Russia’s military capacity."