China has joined Russia in opposing further Nato expansion as the two countries move closer together in the face of Western pressure.
Moscow and Beijing issued a statement showcasing agreement on a raft of issues during a visit by Russia’s Vladimir Putin for the Winter Olympics.
In it Moscow said it supported China’s stance on Taiwan and opposed independence for the island.
It comes amid tension over Ukraine. Russia denies it is planning to invade.
Mr Putin and China’s Xi Jinping have been holding talks ahead of the Winter games opening ceremony.
The Kremlin has said the talks between the leaders were “very warm” and constructive.
The two countries’ lengthy joint statement accuses Nato of espousing a Cold War ideology and also says they are concerned about the Aukus security pact between the US, UK and Australia.
Meanwhile Russia said it supported Beijing’s One China policy, which asserts that self-ruled Taiwan is a breakaway province that will eventually be part of China again.
However, Taiwan sees itself as an independent country, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.
“There are no forbidden areas of cooperation,” the statement reads, according to a translation by the Kremlin.
BBC
