A joint statement was issued following the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, in which Russia welcomed China's "readiness to assist in the political settlement of the crisis in Ukraine." It was also noted that "Russia and China oppose the prolongation of the conflict in Ukraine and its transition to an uncontrollable phase." The two sides mentioned that they "are monitoring the negative impact of the United States and NATO's strategy on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region," emphasizing "their grave concern over the U.S. efforts to disrupt the strategic balance." The Russian authorities, in the joint statement, reaffirmed their support for the "One China" principle and opposed Taiwan's independence, while China supports "Russia's efforts to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity." The statement concluded that "there can be no winners in a nuclear war."