China and Russia Forge Strategic Alliance: Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening China-Russia relations, calling it a "strategic choice" for both countries. They highlighted the strong economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade reaching the US$200 billion annual target set by Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin a year ahead of schedule. The leaders emphasized the need for further cooperation in various sectors, including economy, trade, energy, and connectivity, while also maintaining the security and stability of industrial and supply chains. The visit comes as Russia looks to China for economic and energy cooperation amid increasing sanctions from the West.