Xi Jinping's Meeting with Shoigu Draws Attention

China-Russia Relations amid US-Russia Talks

At a time when America is trying to improve its relationship with Russia, the meeting between Xi Jinping and Russia's highest-ranking security official Shoigu has drawn attention.

According to Voice of America, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia's Security Council and former Defense Minister, in Beijing on February 28. Xi Jinping claimed that the friendship between China and Russia is as strong as tempered steel and emphasized the need to continuously strengthen cooperation on international and regional issues and implement comprehensive strategic collaboration.

Reportedly, during his time as Russia's Defense Minister, Shoigu was considered a key figure who influenced Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to launch a full-scale war against Ukraine. This time, as the Secretary of Russia's Security Council, he visited Beijing for one day after concluding visits to Indonesia and Malaysia.

Before meeting with Xi Jinping, he held talks with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister.

During the meeting with Shoigu, Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of China's war against Japan, Russia's Great Patriotic War, and the founding of the United Nations, making it a year of special historical significance.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi Jinping stated during the meeting: "Officials at all levels from both sides must maintain close contact, fully implement the common understanding reached between me and President Putin, and strengthen the spiritual core of China-Russia relations in the new era, which aims to achieve mutual benefits through eternal neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial collaboration."

Three years ago, before Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he visited Beijing and met with Xi Jinping. After the meeting, the two sides signed a series of bilateral agreements described as "cooperation without limits." After the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, China claimed its position was neutral and that it would not participate in Western sanctions against Moscow. However, China has taken advantage of the situation to expand its political, economic, and military cooperation with Russia.

Currently, US President Donald Trump is working to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Analysts note that while it would be difficult to disrupt China-Russia relations, the United States may be able to influence the level of cooperation between the two sides.