Beijing, an ally of Moscow, congratulated Vladimir Putin on Monday for winning a new six-year term in the Russian presidential elections, which he contested without any opposition. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a press conference, in response to a question about the voting process that concluded on Sunday, that "China extends its congratulations on this matter."
Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing believes "under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the relations between China and Russia will continue to move forward," noting that this year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stressed that "the leaders of the two countries will maintain close communication, leading their nations to continue the long-standing friendship of good neighborliness, deepening comprehensive strategic coordination, and enhancing the continuous development of China-Russia relations in the new era."
It was also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a message to Putin today congratulating him on his presidential election victory.
