Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visits Beijing to highlight ties with key diplomatic partner
Associated PressBEIJING — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Beijing Monday to display the strength of ties with close diplomatic partner China amid Moscow’s grinding war against Ukraine and an ongoing effort to align their foreign policies against the U.S. and its allies. Despite its clear backing of Russia in the Ukraine war, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters Monday that “China has an objective and fair position on the Ukraine issue.” “We have been actively promoting peace talks and political solutions. Just weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the 2022 Winter Olympics and the sides signed a pact pledging a “no limits” relationship that has China supporting Russia’s line, even while formally urging peace talks. Lavrov’s visit also coincides with the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who on Monday wrapped up four days of talks with Chinese officials and said in Beijing they had “difficult conversations” about national security, including American concerns that Chinese companies are supporting Russia in its war in Ukraine.