China calls Russia its chief ‘strategic partner’ despite war

China’s foreign minister calls Russia his country’s “most important strategic partner” as Beijing continues to refuse to condemn the invasion of Ukraine despite growing pressure from the US and European Union to use its influence to rein Moscow in.

Wang Yi says Chinese ties with Moscow constitute “one of the most crucial bilateral relationships in the world.”

China has broken with the US, Europe and others that have imposed sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Beijing has said sanctions create new issues and threaten a political settlement of the conflict.

“No matter how perilous the international landscape, we will maintain our strategic focus and promote the development of a comprehensive China-Russia partnership in the new era,” Wang says at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual meeting of China’s ceremonial parliament.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a remote video press conference held on the sidelines of the annual meeting of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, Monday, March 7, 2022 (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)