Xi calls for united front against unilateral coercion and efforts to rewrite history, framing global order as increasingly contested over narrative control and geopolitical legitimacy
MM Report
BEIJING: China and Russia have urged opposition to what they described as unilateral “bullying behaviour” and attempts to “distort history”, as the two countries reaffirmed their strategic alignment during high-level talks in Beijing.
The comments were made by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, during a joint appearance with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, following talks held at the Great Hall of the People. Xi said that relations between China and Russia were now entering a “new phase”, grounded in mutual respect, equality and trust.
Chinese President argued that both sides should continue to deepen strategic coordination and expand cooperation across a range of sectors, including energy resources, artificial intelligence and technological innovation. He added that Beijing’s 15th five-year development plan would be further aligned with Russia’s own development strategy, signalling an effort to synchronise long-term economic and industrial priorities between the two powers.
Xi also stressed that both countries should jointly oppose what he called unilateral coercion and efforts to rewrite or distort historical narratives. The remarks reflected a broader diplomatic theme frequently echoed by both governments in response to Western-led global frameworks.
Putin, for his part, thanked Xi for what he described as a warm reception and said relations between Moscow and Beijing had reached an “unprecedented level”, continuing to expand despite global instability. He said discussions between the two leaders had been friendly, constructive and productive.
The Russian president noted that nearly all bilateral trade between the two countries was now being conducted in their respective national currencies, and reiterated Moscow’s readiness to continue supplying energy to China. He also pointed to growing potential for cooperation in renewable energy projects.
Vladimir Putin said both countries remained committed to an independent foreign policy and played a stabilising role in global affairs, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Xi also argued that China and Russia should work towards a more “fair and reasonable” system of global governance, reiterating that the strength of their partnership lay in political trust and long-term strategic cooperation. He said both countries should support each other in sustaining their development trajectories.
The meeting underscored the continuing consolidation of ties between Beijing and Moscow, with both governments presenting their partnership as a counterweight to what they portray as an increasingly fragmented international order.
