After talks with Vladimir Putin in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping made remarks that Bloomberg interpreted as indirect criticism of the United States and Japan.
The Chinese leader said Moscow and Beijing “must firmly oppose any signs of the revival of militarism.” According to the agency, the wording was directed at Japan. In recent months, Beijing has sharply intensified its rhetoric toward Tokyo following statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan, accusing Japanese authorities of attempting to revive elements of the country’s former militarist policies.
Bloomberg also interpreted Xi’s remarks about the “danger of unilateral actions and hegemony” as a swipe at Washington.
Xi stressed that China and Russia would continue supporting each other “on core interests and major issues.” At the same time, he separately emphasized that relations between the two countries “are neither an alliance nor a confrontation” and are not directed against third countries.
Following the meeting, the two sides signed a “declaration on the formation of a multipolar world and a new type of international relations.”
In the energy sector, Bloomberg reported that Moscow and Beijing signed an unspecified agreement, though the ceremony took place without the participation of either leader. The agency noted that this added to doubts surrounding the prospects of Russia’s key Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project.
Vladimir Putin also did not mention the project during his remarks.
The topic of Ukraine was not raised during the public portion of the meeting.