Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his support for China opposing foreign intervention in matters concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Central TV (CCTV) on the 4th, Putin held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit was being held there on the 3rd. During the meeting, Putin expressed, “I support safeguarding China’s core interests and oppose foreign intervention in China’s internal affairs and the South China Sea issue.” This statement aligns with China’s stance on the Taiwan issue and the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea. China has always regarded Taiwan its internal affairs and the South China Sea, where territorial disputes with the Philippines and others are intensifying, as its core interests.
In response, Xi said, “China and Russia should further enhance comprehensive strategic cooperation, oppose external interference, and jointly uphold regional peace and stability.”
This summit between Xi and Putin took place just over a month after their last meeting in Beijing on May 16.
During their discussions, the two leaders also addressed Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Xi emphasized, “We should actively strive to urge a political resolution,” adding, “Both countries should uphold the original intent of their enduring friendship.”
Xi also engaged in meetings with leaders from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in addition to his discussions with Putin.
The SCO summit, held under the theme Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue, Efforts for Sustainable Peace and Development, spanned over two days. Originating with six nations in Shanghai, China, on June 15, 2001, the SCO has expanded to include nine full member countries, encompassing India, Pakistan, and Iran. China considers the SCO as a major axis of the One Belt, One Road initiative, which aims to connect China, Central Asia, and Europe through both land and maritime Silk Roads.
According to TV Asahi on the 4th, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Hayashi Yoshimasa stated at a press conference that the Japanese government would closely monitor the development of China-Russia relations, especially following the second summit between the two leaders in just a month and a half.
He added, “I will refrain from commenting on the meetings of third countries,” indicating the government’s cautious approaches to the matter.
Japan has been at the forefront of pressuring Russia, which is at war with Ukraine, by imposing sanctions alongside the United States. As for China, Japan is trying to check it due to issues such as the South China Sea maritime advance and the Taiwan Strait. The close ties between China and Russia, who are both under such circumstances, are being closely watched.
