PUTIN: MOSCOW AND BEIJING SUPPORT COOPERATION WITH ALL, INCLUDING WASHINGTON

BEIJING, MAY 20 /SRNA/ – Russia and China are not in conflict with anyone and are ready to cooperate with partners around the world, including the USA, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Today we are friends with China, not against anyone, we are not fighting anyone. We are fighting only for our own interests and development. We are ready to cooperate with everyone, our partners around the world, including the USA," Putin said during his visit to China.

The establishment of alliances such as NATO in Asia, as well as the presence of the North Atlantic Alliance in the Asia-Pacific region, is contrary to efforts aimed at strengthening regional security, reads a joint statement by Russia and China.

"The parties note that actions aimed at expanding NATO’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region and creating its Asian equivalent, including mechanisms such as AUKUS, are incompatible with the goals of strengthening regional peace and security," the statement published on the Kremlin website says.

The statement adds that Moscow and Beijing are committed to further strengthening their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in deepening good-neighbourly and friendly relations.