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Despite increasing pressure from Western countries to isolate Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, both China and North Korea have reaffirmed their strong ties with Russia in their New Year’s messages.
What China is saying: In a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to his Russian President Vladimir Putin, Xi said China was committed to “promoting world peace and development,” adding that, “No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in further comprehensively deepening reform.” He also highlighted the friendship between China and Russia, praising their ability to “consistently move forward hand-in-hand along the correct path of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.” Xi also noted the historical importance of 2024 as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, describing their bond as “increasingly mature and stable” after decades of “ups and downs.”
What North Korea is saying: Like President Xi, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a New Year’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing admiration for Russia’s resilience. In his message, Kim praised the “deepening ties” between Pyongyang and Moscow, highlighting their shared goals and solidarity amid mounting pressure from Western nations. He acknowledged the strategic significance of their relationship and conveyed his hope for further cooperation.
This all comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed a peace proposal from President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine. The proposal reportedly suggested postponing Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations for 20 years and deploying European and British peacekeeping forces to monitor a demilitarized zone along the current front lines. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with these suggestions, adding that Moscow would not accept any arrangement allowing Ukraine’s future NATO membership.
