Russian Security Council Secretary Visits China After Southeast Asia Trip

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in China on February 28 after completing visits to Indonesia and Malaysia, Orda reports, citing the Security Council's press service.

He went directly from the airport, where he was greeted by Russian Ambassador Igor Morgulov, to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Shoigu mentioned he came to China on President Putin's orders following Putin's February 24 phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He highlighted that arranging the meeting on such short notice "demonstrates the special nature of bilateral dialogue."

During the meeting, Shoigu emphasized that Russia and China share similar approaches to key international and regional issues, maintaining solidarity in the UN Security Council, G20, APEC, and other organizations. He expressed gratitude for China's support during Russia's chairing of BRICS last year and pledged to assist Chinese partners in their work.

Putin initiated the recent phone call with Xi, though the topics discussed were not divulged then.

According to RIA Novosti, Xi reportedly expressed support for "efforts made by Russia and other interested parties to resolve the Ukrainian crisis" and emphasized that Russia-China relations "are not directed against any third party and are not subject to external influence."

Prior to the call, Russian Ambassador Morgulov claimed that Xi Jinping plans to visit Moscow for the 80th Victory Day celebrations on May 9. Morgulov added that Xi has invited Putin to visit China to commemorate Japan's World War II surrender.

Beijing had not immediately confirmed the reported plans.