On the evening of May 16, 2024, President Xi Jinping held small-group talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Zhongnanhai.

In the early summer, Zhongnanhai is adorned with a gentle breeze and shimmering waters.

Xi Jinping welcomed Putin in front of the Yingtai Bridge. As the two heads of state walked and talked, they admired the pavilions and towers, appreciating the beauty of nature and its wonders.

Sitting by the water, Xi Jinping and Putin enjoyed tea together, and had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of mutual interest in a relaxed atmosphere.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. In the face of the ever-evolving international landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization. China is ready to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development.

Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is ready to enhance cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and work toward a more equal and multipolar world.

The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.

Xi Jinping elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term. Xi Jinping said the core of the Global Security Initiative he proposed is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine crisis is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

Putin shared the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard.

As the night deepened, the lights shone brightly.

Xi Jinping bade farewell to Putin with a handshake. Xi Jinping said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful. Xi Jinping said that he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and sustained progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.

Putin thanked President Xi Jinping for his warm hospitality, saying that he was always delighted every time he met and held talks with President Xi Jinping. Their exchanges were both profound and meaningful. Putin said that he is ready to maintain close communication with President Xi Jinping, implement the important common understandings reached between them, and ensure the in-depth development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi attended the above event.