Xi Jinping, who has been in power for 12 years as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, recently sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who secured’ 30 years in power’ in the recent election on the 18th.
Xinhua News Agency
According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) on the same day, President Xi stated in his telegram, “In recent years, the Russian people have united to overcome challenges and have steadily advanced on the path of national development and prosperity,” showing that “your re-election sufficiently demonstrates the Russian people’s support for you.” He added, “I believe that under your leadership, Russia will surely achieve greater national development and construction accomplishments.”
Xi also emphasized, “China highly values the development of China-Russia relations. We are willing to maintain close communication with Russia.” He then conveyed, “We are willing to promote the continuous, healthy, and stable deepening development of the comprehensive strategic partnership of a new era between China and Russia. We are also willing to bring happiness to the people of the two countries.”
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The Chinese government also officially congratulated Putin. Lin Jian, the newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing that day, “China expresses congratulations,” highlighting, “China and Russia are each other’s largest neighboring countries and comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era.” Lin also claimed, “We deeply believe that the relationship between China and Russia will continue to develop under President Xi’s and President Putin’s strategic guidance.”
In his 13th year of leadership, President Xi has shown a particularly close relationship with President Putin. He promised to strengthen cooperation this year, which marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, following two bilateral summits last year. The relationship between the two has been called a “bromance” by foreign media for a reason.
From Xi’s perspective, Putin’s presence is undoubtedly beneficial. It could positively influence his move towards a third or long-term leadership. Age-wise, it seems entirely feasible.
According to diplomatic sources in Beijing on the same day, it is known that Kim Jong-un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, which is closely aligned with China and Russia, also sent a congratulatory message immediately after the news of Putin’s confirmed election victory was announced. It appears that the message was delivered to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the North Korean Ambassador to Russia, Sin Hong-chol.
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