Xi: China And Russia Should Continue Pragmatic Cooperation

MNI London: Chinese state media have released a readout of the call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier today.

• Xi's comments are consistent with previous statements on Russia. Xi commits to maintaining a pragmatic relationship with Moscow while eschewing the more effusive language of the Russian readout of the call.
• Putin said ahead of the call that Sino-Russian relations "are the best in the history” and invited Xi to Moscow for a state visit in spring.
• Xi told Putin, per Reuters: "China is ready to resume normal exchange of people with other countries, including Russia."
• Xi: "China, Russia should closely coordinate and cooperate in international affairs."
• Xi: "Both sides should safeguard the authority of united nations and status of international law."
• On the war in Ukraine, Xi said, "the road to peace talks will not be smooth but prospect of peace will always exist... China will continue to uphold objective and fair stance."
• Xi: "China and Russia should always stick to their original spirit of cooperation, maintain strategic determination and increase strategic cooperation."
• Xi: "[China and Russia] should continue pragmatic cooperation on trade, energy, finance, agriculture."