China, Russia won’t cave to external pressure: Premier
March 16, 2016, 5:42 am

File photo: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 17, 2015 [Xinhua]

“China-Russia cooperation will not cave to third party pressure, nor target any third party,” Li said.

Li made the remarks at a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of China’s top legislature.

Earlier on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry said withdrawal of Russian military forces from Syria will help keep parties on the table to find a solution to the Syria issue through negotiations.

“China believe the decision will send a positive signal to the international community, especially the disputing parties in Syria, and will push them towards solving the Syrian issue through dialogue and negotiation,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a regular press conference.

The Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday that Russia had started the withdrawal, after President Vladimir Putin announced it on Monday.

“China is developing relations with Russia on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefits. China does not face any external pressure in maintaining development of [its] relations with Russia,” Li told reporters.

Beijing and Moscow frequently back each other on foreign policy issues, in Syria, Libya, during complex negotiations at the IMF, the WTO, climate talks, internet governance among others.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Putin met five times in the past year, and have announced important consensus in developing bilateral ties.

In 2013, Xi chose Russia as his first foreign trip as President.

Russia’s trade turnover with China is almost thrice as big as that with the US.

The heads of state of both countries will meet during the 8th BRICS Summit in India later this summer.

TBP