Putin speaks to the media: Russia-China ties are stabilizing factor

The relations between Russia and China are a stabilizing factor, Vladimir Putin, the Russian presidential candidate and incumbent president, said in a press conference at his campaign headquarters in Moscow on Monday morning.

The Russia-China relationship has been taking shape over the past two decades and is very strong and complementary, said Putin, adding that this relationship would be maintained.

"But the most important thing is that our national interests coincide, and this creates a favorable environment for resolving our common tasks and in the sphere of international relations, where relations between Russia and China serve as a factor of stability," Putin told reporters, according to the TASS news agency.

He also noted that Taiwan region is an inseparable part of China and any attempts to carry out provocations around the region and hold back China's development will undoubtedly fail.

Putin has won 87.31 percent of the vote after 99.7 percent of all ballots were counted, according to data from the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC).

Under Russia's presidential election regulations, a candidate who receives more than 50 percent of the votes will secure victory.

"I want to thank all of you and all citizens of the country for your support and this trust," Putin, who is set to embark on a new six-year term, said in a speech after his election victory. He promised that he would do his best to achieve the national development goals in all directions.

Russia kicked off its three-day presidential election on Friday. The final results will be confirmed no later than March 28 by the CEC and will be announced within three days of confirmation.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover: Vladimir Putin, the Russian presidential candidate and incumbent president, speaks to the media at the campaign headquarters, Moscow, Russia, March 18, 2024. /CFP)