China and Russia reaffirm strategic partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on Tuesday, reaffirming the strong momentum of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership. According to Chinese media, Xi Jinping asked Lavrov to convey warm greetings to President Vladimir Putin and emphasized the importance of fully implementing the fundamental consensus reached between the two heads of state.

The Chinese head of state emphasized the need for continued mutual support on multilateral platforms, safeguarding the development and security interests of both countries and strengthening solidarity with countries in the Global South to promote a more just and equitable international order.

The meeting – which apparently could not have been more heated – took place a day after Donald Trump, angered by the poor progress of his plans to end the war in Ukraine, decided to increase the flow of weapons to Eastern Europe (if the Europeans were willing to pay) and gave Russia 50 days to find a solution to the conflict, after which he would impose sanctions on the country and impose 100% tariffs on Russian products entering the US.

Keen to avoid making Russia's defense a purely joint strategy, detached from other powers, Xi Jinping – who does not usually receive ministers with portfolios – highlighted the strategic importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in safeguarding peace, stability, and development across the Eurasian continent. The Chinese president called for joint efforts to support the SCO's development, inject new momentum into the organization, and transform it into a strategic platform for regional cooperation. If this were to happen, the combined synergies between the SCO and the BRICS could create a group with significant global influence.

For his part, and according to the same sources, Lavrov noted that, under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, Russia-China relations continue to deepen and reaffirmed his country's commitment to developing common ties. Lavrov emphasized the need for greater coordination on regional and international affairs and expressed firm support for China's rotating chairmanship of the SCO, promising to work together to ensure the success of the upcoming summit in Tianjin (China, about 130 km from the capital).

The meeting also served to discuss several topics related to high-level bilateral political contacts, including Putin's upcoming visit to China. According to the Russian news agency Ruptly, the Russian leader is expected to participate in the September 3 parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The meeting between Xi Jinping and Lavrov took place on the sidelines of the SCO Foreign Ministers' Summit. The meeting serves as political preparation for the Tianjin Summit, which will take place from August 31st to September 1st.

Chinese diplomatic activity is at a fever pitch: in addition to the SCO meeting, a meeting also took place in Beijing—also this Tuesday—between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Qiang said that China stands ready to work with Australia to further deepen and expand bilateral cooperation, aiming for a higher level of mutual benefit that meets the interests of both countries. Li made the comments during the 10th Annual China-Australia Leaders' Meeting.

The Chinese Vice Premier said the two economies are highly complementary, with ample room for cooperation in areas such as energy resources, agricultural products, green development, and technological innovation. China is willing to fully utilize various dialogue mechanisms with Australia and strengthen cooperation across different sectors to further explore common interests. He also noted that China and Australia, as defenders and beneficiaries of multilateralism and free trade, are active promoters of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Albanese said Australia is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and dialogues with China in various fields, including diplomacy and trade, and to ensure that differences do not define the bilateral relationship.