In a phone conversation on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping made thinly veiled criticisms of the United States (US) over its withdrawal from Afghanistan, the “politicisation” of the COVID-19 origin tracing, and political interference in the internal affairs of both countries.
Afghanistan
Regarding the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan, President Xi told Putin that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Russia and the international community to resolve the issue. Xi also called on all factions in Afghanistan to build an “open and inclusive political structure” and implement a moderate domestic and foreign policy.
Moreover, the Chinese President called on the Taliban to distance itself from all terrorist organisations and maintain friendly ties with the international community, especially its neighbours. Furthermore, he noted that China has always respected Afghanistan’s “sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity” by adhering to a “policy of non-interference” in its internal affairs. Xi added that China played a “constructive role” in resolving the Afghan crisis through political channels.
Similarly, Putin stressed the importance of Russia-China cooperation concerning Afghanistan. He underscored that both countries were ready “to step up efforts to counter the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking emanating from Afghanistan.”
Putin also took a dig at the US for its withdrawal from Afghanistan. He said that the deteriorating situation in the country proves that the policies of “external forces”, when imposed on others, do not work. Such policies will bring only “destruction and disaster” to the countries concerned, Putin added.
Noting the need to achieve peace and prevent the spread of instability in Afghanistan, both presidents agreed “to use the potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as much as possible.” Xi said that the SCO should be used as a forum to jointly work with other members to bolster “solidarity, coordination and mutual support” to ensure the region’s security.
COVID-19
Both leaders discussed the efforts to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the “politicisation” of the virus’ origin.
Putin said Russia is opposed to the “politicisation” of the COVID-19 origin tracing and vowed to support China on the issue. China claimed that the US has been trying to politicise efforts to trace the coronavirus origin and that it blames China for spreading the virus. Ahead of a US intelligence report on the source of COVID-19, Chinese officials blamed the US for “scapegoating” China and called for investigations of US labs.
Against this backdrop, China has sought to increase “joint efforts” with Russia to combat the spread of the virus. “China is ready to work with Russia to deepen cooperation on vaccine development and production and ensure the safety and stability of the global supply chain for vaccines,” Xi said. Likewise, Putin said Russia would work with China to strengthen efforts to fight the pandemic.
Political Interference
Putin stressed that Russia firmly opposes any external interference in China’s internal affairs. He said Russia “firmly adheres” to the ‘one-China policy’ and supports China’s “legitimate positions” on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea (SCS). The US has opposed Chinese policies on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the SCS, which China views as American interference in its internal matters.
For his part, Xi said that China would stand by Russia in its development and national pursuits and “firmly supports” Russian efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security. In this regard, Xi called for a “new era” in Russia-China ties that would “deepen cooperation against interference and firmly hold their respective national future in their own hands.”
Finally, both leaders agreed to boost the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership that has been “developing progressively and dynamically,” especially in light of the 20th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between both countries.