BEIJING - China and Russia pledged a joint response to unilateral sanctions during a visit by Russia’s Prime Minister, as Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to advancing ties with Moscow despite “turbulent” external conditions.

“Both sides will make every necessary effort to carry out mutual assistance and cooperation in opposing unilateral coercive measures,” Beijing and Moscow said in a joint communique released by China’s foreign ministry on Nov 4 after a

meeting between Premier Li Qiang and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin

“Any unilateral coercive measures taken by any country or group of countries bypassing UN Security Council resolutions are illegal,” it said, adding that such measures cannot be accepted or recognised.

China and Russia are both permanent members of the UN Security Council, with power to veto its resolutions.

The remarks came amid renewed attempts by US President Donald Trump to end Russia’s war against Ukraine by pressuring Moscow - and those doing business with Moscow - with sanctions and secondary tariffs.

Beijing has also consistently sought to consolidate ties with its northern neighbour despite a recently agreed-upon trade truce with the US.

In the joint communique, China and Russia stressed the need to “prevent some country from abusing their monopoly and dominant position in specific sectors of the world economy,” without naming the US directly.

Chinese President Xi met Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing on Nov 4, calling for expanding mutual investment, a day after Premier Li Qiang held a regular meeting with Mr Mishustin in Hangzhou, where Mr Li said China wanted to strengthen cooperation with Russia and defend shared security interests.