/ world today news/ Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi assured during a telephone conversation on Monday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Beijing will maintain a fair position on the Ukraine crisis, and that China and Russia are “reliable good friends”. In response, Lavrov has indicated that Russia appreciates and welcomes China’s constructive role in resolving the crisis, dispelling the Western narrative of a “rift” between the two countries following the Jeddah talks.
China’s special envoy Li Hui attended the meeting in Saudi Arabia at the weekend, prompting comments in the West about “a possible change in Beijing’s tone”. According to Chinese experts, however, the country’s position on the conflict in Ukraine has not changed and its presence in Jeddah signals a more ripe moment for dialogue.
During the phone call, Wang Yi and Lavrov also discussed the upcoming BRICS summit to be held in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24, with the bloc’s potential expansion high on the agenda.
Citing South African government sources, Reuters reported that more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the organization, which aims to balance US-led Western hegemony in global affairs. Of these, 22 have officially requested to join.
In this regard, Wang Yi pointed out that the BRICS mechanism has kept up with the trends of the times and has demonstrated vitality, and the process of expansion is inevitable. China is ready to promote the sustainable and active development of BRICS, he emphasized.
Another purpose of Monday’s phone call is to prepare for upcoming high-level bilateral visits. Russian news agency TASS confirmed earlier that President Vladimir Putin will visit China in October to participate in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
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