Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Tuesday for China and Russia to 'jointly safeguard' the stability and smooth functioning of the global energy supply chain, as the US continues to pressure Beijing to curb imports of Russian oil. In a congratulatory message to the 7th China-Russia Energy Business Forum in Beijing, Xi emphasized the solid foundation of energy cooperation between the two countries, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xi expressed China's willingness to work with Russia to strengthen their comprehensive energy partnership. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the stability and smooth flow of the global energy industry and supply chain. Washington has been urging both China and India to reduce or halt their purchases of Russian oil amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Xi further stated that China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Moscow to promote a fairer, more just, balanced, and inclusive global energy governance system. This cooperation aims to improve global energy security and support green and low-carbon transitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to the forum, which opened Tuesday in Beijing with around 450 participants, including political figures, representatives of more than 100 major Russian and Chinese companies, scientists, academics, and analysts.
In a separate development, Xi met with Tonga's King Tupou VI in Beijing on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties, as reported by the Foreign Ministry. Xi assured that China will "always" support Tonga in safeguarding its national independence and sovereignty. He expressed Beijing's willingness to expand cooperation with the Pacific island nation in areas such as trade and investment, clean energy, and climate-change response. Xi affirmed that China would continue to assist Tonga's economic and social development under the framework of South-South cooperation.
Beijing is prepared to 'jointly build a China-Pacific Island countries community with a shared future,' Xi added. King Tupou VI emphasized Tonga's high value on its ties with Beijing and its firm adherence to the 'one-China principle,' expressing support for China's efforts toward 'national reunification.'