Xi, Putin discuss Ukraine crisis on phone

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday discussed China-Russia ties and the Ukraine crisis in a phone call.

Xi said he and Putin held a successful meeting in Sochi not long ago, marking a good start for China-Russia ties this year.

Guided by the consensus of the two leaders, relevant departments of both sides were advancing strategic cooperation on relevant big projects, Xi said.

President Putin sent condolences immediately after the violent terror attack in Kunming, Yunnan province, and expressed stanch support to China, Xi said, adding China is ready to keep and strengthen anti-terror cooperation with Russia.

Xi said he is looking forward to Putin's visit to China in the near future and pledged to jointly carry forward the already successful China-Russia relationship.

Putin, for his part, briefed Xi on the evolvement of the current situation in Ukraine, Russia's position on the issue, and measures Russia had taken to tackle the crisis.

Xi said the situation in Ukraine, which seems to be accidental, has the elements of the inevitable.

At present, the situation in Ukraine is highly complicated and sensitive and have regional and global impact, Xi said.

China believes that Russia can coordinate with other parties to push for the political settlement of the issue so as to safeguard regional and world peace and stability, Xi said.

China supports proposals and mediation efforts of the international community that are conducive to reduction of tension, he added.