China and Russia should work together to maintain global strategic stability as the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

During a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Xi said as responsible major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to encourage the international community to uphold fairness and justice, firmly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system and the basic norms of international law.

Noting this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, Xi said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop along the right track through deeper strategic coordination and more proactive assumption of responsibilities of major countries.

As China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), he said China will actively expand high-standard opening up and share new development opportunities with countries around the world, including Russia, calling on the two countries to increase high-level exchanges and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

(With input from Xinhua)