Powerful Alliance: Russia and China Forge Ahead with Coordinated Strategic Efforts at UNGA and APEC

Russia and China are expected to maintain their "well-coordinated work" at the upcoming UN General Assembly and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking prior to a meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow, Lavrov emphasized the numerous multilateral forums, including high-level summits, that lie ahead.

Lavrov stated that he is optimistic about our seamless collaboration throughout these forums. He emphasized the challenges we face amidst significant global changes and highlighted the significance of our leaders' establishment of precise pathways to enhance our strategic partnership in March this year.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin convened in Moscow in March, affirming their unity on various fronts and their shared apprehensions towards the United States, CNN previously disclosed.

Despite the backdrop of Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, the meeting clearly displayed Beijing's determination to enhance its relationship with Moscow. The encounter culminated in over a dozen agreements aimed at reinforcing collaboration in fields including commerce, technology, and state propaganda, as per a list issued by the Kremlin.

During his visit to Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that the cooperation between Beijing and Moscow is not aimed at any other nations. Wang emphasized that China and Russia both have independent foreign policies and their collaboration is not influenced by external forces. According to Reuters, Wang stated that their cooperation yields tangible benefits for the people of both countries.

Wang added that China is prepared to collaborate with Russia in establishing a multi-polar world. Both nations shoulder a "special responsibility" for upholding global strategic stability and peace.

"The more intense the hegemonic unilateral actions aimed at confrontation, the more crucial it becomes for us to fulfill our international obligations based on the sense of duty that comes with being major powers," Wang emphasized.

After the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia's reliance on China has grown significantly. The United States and other members of the G7 imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow, leading to Russia's isolation from the global financial system. Nevertheless, China has shown unwavering support and declared an unrestricted friendship with its neighboring country, providing an economic lifeline that has mitigated the consequences.

According to Chinese customs data, trade between the two countries saw a remarkable 40% surge in the initial five months of this year, despite a slowdown in economic ties between China and other prominent partners. In May, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin expressed optimism that trade with China would surpass $200 billion in the current year.