China on Sunday mentioned it supported Russia in “protecting national stability”. (File)

Beijing:

China on Sunday mentioned it supported Russia in “protecting national stability”, in Beijing’s first official remarks on a short-lived armed rebellion led by the pinnacle of the Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin.

“As a friendly neighbour and a new era comprehensive strategic cooperative partner, China supports Russia in protecting national stability and achieving development and prosperity,” the international ministry mentioned in a press release.

The subject was Russia’s “internal affair”, the ministry added.

Beijing had till late Sunday avoided commenting on the weekend’s turmoil in Russia, which noticed the mutiny’s chief agree to enter exile after President Vladimir Putin was compelled to simply accept an amnesty deal.

On Sunday, China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russia’s deputy international minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing.

The two diplomats mentioned “China-Russia relations,” Beijing mentioned, in addition to “international and regional issues of common concern”.

In its readout of the talks, Moscow mentioned Beijing had “expressed support for the efforts of the leadership of the Russian Federation to stabilise the situation in the country.”

China and Russia have ramped up financial cooperation and diplomatic contacts lately, with their strategic partnership rising nearer for the reason that invasion of Ukraine.

Beijing says it’s a impartial get together within the conflict, however has been criticised by Western nations for refusing to sentence Moscow and for its ties with Russia.

Analysts say China holds the higher hand within the relationship with Russia and that its sway is rising as Moscow’s worldwide isolation deepens.

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