Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: Tass).
"It is obvious that the two leaders discussed this issue because they said they would discuss it," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on March 21, referring to the discussion between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Asked if there had been any progress on the issue, Mr Peskov said: "I will not make any assessments. Let's wait for the statements (from the leaders) to the media (after the talks on March 21)."
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on March 20, starting a three-day official visit to Russia. Hours after Xi arrived at the airport, the Chinese leader met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the meeting between the two leaders, President Putin said Russia was ready to discuss Beijing's proposals to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, saying Moscow had "carefully studied" the proposals.
According to Xinhua news agency, President Xi Jinping stressed that Beijing is willing to play a role in finding a political solution to the conflict in Ukraine. Mr. Xi said that most countries support easing tensions, support peaceful negotiations and oppose adding fuel to the fire.
Beijing has previously asserted its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In February, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a 12-point peace plan. However, this proposal has been met with skepticism by the US and the West.
During a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin today, President Xi Jinping announced that he has officially invited President Putin to visit China this year, at a time convenient for the Russian leader.
Xi Jinping said China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this year. Putin attended the previous two forums in 2017 and 2019.
The Belt and Road Initiative is China's massive, multi-billion dollar initiative to invest in infrastructure around the world. Beijing hopes to boost international trade with the initiative. Xi Jinping first announced the initiative in 2013.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Mishustin, Xi Jinping said the Covid-19 pandemic had become an obstacle to visits by senior officials. Xi urged the Russian Prime Minister to promote high-level visits after China recently lifted travel restrictions.
At the meeting with President Putin, Mr. Xi Jinping affirmed that consolidating and developing good relations with Russia is a strategic choice that China made based on fundamental interests and the general trend of the world. Mr. Xi also emphasized that China pursues a policy of strengthening strategic cooperation with Russia.
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