Russia and China warned on Wednesday that the world risks a return to the “law of the jungle”, saying in a joint statement that the international situation is becoming increasingly complex.
“The global situation is becoming more complicated,” the statement, published by the Kremlin in Russian, said. “The agenda for global peace and development is facing new risks and challenges, and there is a risk of fragmentation of the international community and a return to the ‘law of the jungle’.” The two countries said attempts by some states to unilaterally manage global affairs, impose their interests on the rest of the world and restrict the sovereign development of other countries “in the spirit of the colonial era” had failed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to reporters in Beijing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, said Russia and China were committed to maintaining an “independent” foreign policy. He said both countries were pursuing a “close strategic partnership” and played what he described as an important stabilising role on the global stage.
Putin also said Moscow was ready to cooperate with partners, including the United States, and to continue supplying China with energy. He described his talks with Xi as friendly and constructive, saying relations between the two countries were at an “unprecedented” level.
Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said the talks had resulted in an agreement on what he described as an important energy issue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there had been “progress” and a “general understanding of the main parameters” with China on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, though details still needed to be agreed and there was no clear timetable.
Source: AMNA
