Xi Jinping Urges Deeper China-Russia Ties in Meeting with Lavrov

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing on April 15 and urged both countries to deepen mutual trust and support each other's core interests.

Xi emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral ties and expand strategic coordination amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics. He called for reinforcing cooperation between China and Russia while maintaining China's engagement with other nations.

The Chinese president highlighted recent visits to China by leaders from Western countries, including Spain, the United Kingdom and Canada this year, underscoring Beijing's broad diplomatic outreach.

Both sides expressed commitment to advancing their partnership and anticipated high-level exchanges in the coming period. Plans include a potential summit between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin later this year.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by China and Russia to bolster their strategic relationship in the face of international challenges. Xi reiterated China's firm stance on supporting Russia's core interests, just as he expects reciprocal backing from Moscow.

Lavrov's visit to Beijing comes as the two nations continue to align on key global issues, including opposition to unilateral sanctions and promotion of a multipolar world order.