Russian PM To Xi Jinping: China Ties Strengthened By 'Sensational Pressure' From West

On a visit to meet Xi Jinping, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin hailed strong ties with China. 

What Happened: Mishustin, in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, said pressure from the West is strengthening Moscow's ties with Beijing, reported The Associated Press. 

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Relations between the two nations are "at an unprecedented high level" amid "increased turbulence in the international arena and the pattern of sensational pressure from the collective West," Mishustin said.

The Russian PM's visit coincides with Moscow's increasing reliance on China for diplomatic and economic backing amid mounting isolation from the World over its invasion of Ukraine.

In his opening remarks, Mishustin ignored the 15-month-old war with Ukraine and rather focused on economic cooperation between the two countries that have boomed in challenging Washington's lead in global affairs.

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Why It Matters: China repeatedly portrayed itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict while also forging new partnerships with Russia. It has also expressed its willingness to mediate and facilitate a resolution while blaming the West for instigating Moscow. 

Mishustin will next meet with Xi to ink a series of deals on infrastructure and the economy.

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