Not a word about Ukraine, but mentioning Kazakhstan: Xi and Putin discuss shared future

Updated. According to the Russian side, there was still a mention of Ukraine.

As reported by Chinese media, among the topics of discussion between Xi Jinping and Putin was not Ukraine. However, later the Russian side released its "more detailed" version of what the parties discussed.

According to Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov, the Chinese leader allegedly did discuss the topic of the war in Ukraine with the Kremlin head, but it was "brief."

"The situation in Ukraine was discussed quite briefly," Ushakov said.

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Xi noted that over the past year, he had met with Putin twice and they had reached many important consensuses.

"This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Looking back on the journey we have taken, we have weathered many storms together," he said. "Looking ahead, new development opportunities are opening up for Sino-Russian relations. China is ready to cooperate with Russia to continue supporting the spirit of mutual support and friendship between generations and to jointly write a new chapter in Sino-Russian relations."

Xi notes that both sides need to "closely cooperate strategically, protecting the sovereignty, security, and development interests of their countries, and resolutely opposing the intervention of external forces in their internal affairs."

"The parties need to cultivate new kinetic energy for cooperation between the two countries, and support the stability of the industrial product supply chain," said the Chinese leader.

He adds that Beijing and Moscow need to support Kazakhstan in hosting this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, "strengthen unity and mutual trust, ensure regional security and stability, and promote the common interests of countries in the region."

For his part, Putin notes that thanks to "joint efforts," Russian-Chinese relations have reached an "unprecedentedly high level."

Putin also states that Russia firmly adheres to the principle of the One China policy, opposes "any dangerous behavior that provokes China on the Taiwan issue," and believes that "any attempts to hinder China's peaceful reunification will not succeed."

China-Russia ties

China has been strengthening its ties with Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In particular, Beijing refused to join anti-Kremlin sanctions imposed by the U.S.

Beijing and Moscow share a mutual interest in challenging U.S. dominance in the world order, as their relations with democratic countries become increasingly strained.

The United States has repeatedly warned China against assisting Russia in its war against Ukraine or facilitating the evasion of sanctions. For example, in summer American intelligence said that China was supplying Russia with technology and equipment.

Earlier in November, the European Parliament called for tighter control and more effective measures to limit Russia's ability to circumvent the restrictive measures imposed by EU countries.