Following economic and fiscal sanctions from the international community in response to the brutal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin’s closest ally, China, has stayed on its side fervently despite political pressure to condemn Russian aggression, a support strengthened by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi recent statement.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Moscow “one of the most crucial bilateral relationships [for China] in the world” in an annual parliament meeting last March 7. It can be remembered that the two countries, through their respective presidents, have met during the Beijing Winter Olympics and exchanged statements of support for their foreign policy agendas, namely Russia’s claim on Ukraine and China’s claim on Taiwan.

“No matter how perilous the international landscape, we will maintain our strategic focus and promote the development of comprehensive China-Russia partnership in the new era,” said Wang at the annual meeting. “The friendship between the two peoples is ironclad,” he stated.

This statement is one of many that expresses support for their Russian comrades before and during their advance in Ukraine. Most notably, during the emergency meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last February 28, China was one of the more notable nations that chose to abstain from voting against the resolution deploring the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The resolution was later passed with overwhelming support from the UNGA, with a historic vote of 141 nations voting in favor. Those that abstained alongside China were India, Iraq, and South Africa, while North Korea, Eritrea, Belarus, and Syria voted against the measure.