Russia-China discuss Ukraine war and ties with the United States

Russia and China's foreign ministers on Sunday discussed their relations with the United States and the prospects for ending the war in Ukraine, China and Russia's foreign ministries said in a statement.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in the Chinese capital. The discussions took place on the sidelines of a meeting of the foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an influential Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, highlighting the multilateral context of their bilateral talks.
A central focus of their agenda was the protracted conflict in Ukraine. While both nations have maintained their official positions—China advocating for peace talks and Russia continuing its military operations—the dialogue reportedly explored "prospects for resolving the Ukrainian crisis." This suggests an ongoing, albeit discreet, coordination on a conflict that has profoundly reshaped the international landscape. Concurrently, the ministers engaged in candid exchanges regarding their complex and often fraught relations with the United States, a common point of contention for both powers.
Both ministries emphasized the critical importance of strengthening their collaborative efforts across various international platforms. This includes enhanced coordination within the United Nations and its Security Council, the SCO, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), the G20, and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation). 
Such concerted action aims to "promote the development and revitalization of each other," as stated by China's Foreign Ministry, and to collectively address the multifaceted challenges presented by an increasingly turbulent global environment. The emphasis on these multilateral bodies signals a shared ambition to foster a more multipolar world order.
Beyond the immediate geopolitical concerns, the foreign ministers also exchanged perspectives on other pressing regional issues, including the delicate situation on the Korean Peninsula and the complexities surrounding the Iranian nuclear program. This broad scope of discussion highlights the comprehensive nature of the Russia-China strategic partnership, extending across various critical flashpoints.
The current close ties between Russia and China trace back to February 2022, when Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping declared a "no limits" partnership during Putin's visit to Beijing, mere days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This declaration signaled a profound commitment to mutual support and cooperation, with President Putin occasionally referring to China as an "ally." This partnership stands in stark contrast to the United States' strategic assessments, which categorize China as its primary geopolitical competitor and Russia as its most significant nation-state threat.