China's Foreign Ministry Comments on Xi Jinping's Refusal to Visit Russia

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the leaders of Russia and China have maintained close contacts, and the two countries will continue to develop exchanges at all levels, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a press briefing on Wednesday.

Earlier, media reports indicated that the Chinese leader allegedly declined an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Russia due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the heads of state and senior officials of China and Russia have maintained close ties through various means and have effectively communicated on bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields,” the Chinese diplomat stated.

Zhao Lijian emphasized that both parties will “continue to develop exchanges at all levels” and strengthen their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.

Furthermore, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, previously stated that media reports regarding Xi Jinping's refusal to visit Russia are “completely unfounded.”