Foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, June 12, 2019. (Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

China on Wednesday urged foreign media to carefully read the full text of Russian President Vladimir Putin's words at the 23rd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). 

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang warned the foreign media not to take the words out of context and attempt to drive a wedge between China and Russia.

Geng was answering a question about Putin’s use of a Chinese proverb during the forum. 

"As far as I know, President Putin first quoted the Chinese proverb "Sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight" when answering a question, but then added, 'Everything is changing. The US has always touted free trade and democratic principles in the world economy, but as its competitors grow stronger, it will impose restrictions such as launching tariff wars, which will hurt the world economy. Russia will fight for space for fair and democratic trade rules.’ I think this is the real attitude of President Putin and Russia toward China-US trade tensions,” Geng said.

Geng reiterated that China and Russia are firmly opposed to unilateralism, protectionism and bullying. During President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Russia, he had an in-depth exchange of views with Russian President Putin on the current complex and volatile international situation and reached an important consensus.

"The two sides agreed to further deepen comprehensive strategic coordination, continue to work together to build an open world economy, promote the multilateral trading system, and uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law. Any attempt to drive a wedge between China and Russia will not succeed in the end,” Geng said.

Compiled by Wang Zi