After the United States imposed a reverse blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the breakdown of cease-fire talks with Iran, China and Russia reaffirmed their intention for strategic coordination.
On the 15th, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, President Xi Jinping met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and said, "China and Russia must defend the legitimate interests of both countries through even closer and stronger strategic cooperation."
Xi said, "We must maintain the unity of Global South countries and demonstrate our responsibility as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council," adding, "The two countries should maintain strategic patience and pursue common development based on mutual trust and support. Let's fully leverage our geographical proximity and complementary strengths to deepen all-around cooperation and enhance development resilience."
In response, Minister Lavrov said, "Amid a grave and complex international situation, we want to faithfully implement the agreements between our leaders, maintain high-level exchanges, and strengthen practical cooperation," adding, "We hope to uphold international fairness and justice and develop bilateral relations to contribute to world peace and stability."
AFP reported that Minister Lavrov, at a news conference the same day, referred to the Iran war and said Russia could help offset energy shortages in countries seeking to cooperate with it, including China.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic cooperative partnership and the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia. Earlier, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Minister Lavrov the previous day and, describing bilateral ties as "not afraid of floating clouds that obscure the eyes" (不畏浮云遮望眼), said, "Despite numerous trials, cooperation in all fields remains solid."
China and Russia are coordinating schedules with the goal of holding a summit within the year, and they also exchanged in-depth views on shared concerns such as the Iran war, the Asia-Pacific situation, and the Ukraine crisis, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.