Xi Jinping says Putin’s re-election ‘fully reflects’ support of Russian people

China congratulates Putin on election win, vows to strengthen strategic relationship, highlighting close ties and upcoming meetings between leaders.

China congratulated Vladimir Putin on March 18 on winning Russia’s presidential election and said the strategic relationship between the two countries will continue to strengthen.

Mr. Putin won a record post-Soviet landslide in Russia’s election on Sunday, cementing his already tight grip on power in a victory he said showed Moscow had been right to stand up to the West and send its troops into Ukraine.

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China President Xi Jinping sent a message to congratulate Mr. Putin on his re-election as president of Russia, Chinese state media reported.

“We firmly believe that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, China-Russia relations will continue to move forward,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters when asked about the vote.

“China and Russia are each other’s largest neighbours and comprehensive strategic partners in the new era.”

China has strengthened its ties with Russia over the past few years, even as Western criticism of the war in Ukraine intensified.