Foreign media pointed out that Xi Jinping (left) is deepening his long-term bet on Russia.

On the right is Russian President Vladimir Putin.

(Associated Press file photo)

[Compiled Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] As Russia suffers setbacks in the Ukraine war, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has tried in recent months to distance his government from Moscow in public.

However, foreign media pointed out that behind this diplomatic appearance, Xi Jinping is deepening his long-term bet on Russia.

After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit" held in Uzbekistan in early February, Xi Jinping declared in a high-profile manner that there is no limit to the Sino-Russian friendship. Xi Jinping was once in an embarrassing situation.

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However, the "Wall Street Journal" reported on the 14th that according to a policy adviser to the Chinese government, Xi Jinping has instructed his government to strengthen economic ties with Russia in recent weeks.

That would further cement a trade relationship between the two countries that has strengthened this year and has become a lifeline for Russia in the face of Western pressure.

Plans include increased Chinese imports of Russian oil, gas and agricultural products, more joint energy partnerships in the Arctic and increased Chinese investment in Russian infrastructure such as railways and ports, the advisers said.

Russia and China are also using the ruble and yuan more in financial transactions rather than the euro or dollar, the report said, a move that could help insulate both sides from future sanctions and push the yuan into wider circulation .

Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank, said Xi had been strengthening Sino-Russian ties largely unaffected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sun Yun said that Sino-Russian relations are likely to become closer.

The report mentioned that the Sino-Russian partnership has helped Russia resist the impact of Western sanctions on the economy, allowing Putin to continue fighting in Ukraine, which has further deepened global divisions, making many developing countries that rely on Chinese trade reluctant Take sides in this conflict.

According to the report, Xi Jinping's long-standing admiration for Putin has made him more determined to seek to develop relations with Russia.

Igor Morgulov, Russia's ambassador to China, recently told reporters that Xi is expected to visit Moscow next year, most likely after the National People's Congress in March.

If this visit takes place, it will be the 40th face-to-face meeting between Xi Jinping and Putin.