Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the second-highest official in China's party and state hierarchy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on the 21st (local time).

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on the 21st. / Xinhua

According to Beijing diplomatic sources well-versed in bilateral relations on the 22nd, Premier Li held talks with President Putin the previous day, stating, "Our two countries have traditionally maintained close relations, and that will remain the case going forward."

In response, President Putin said, "Relations between our two countries are developing successfully and dynamically," adding that there will be an opportunity to hold talks with General Secretary and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China. Sources conveyed that he referred to President Xi as a "friend," extending warm greetings and well wishes.

President Putin also stated, "Our bilateral relations are not subject to situational whims, nor are they directed against anyone," expressing gratitude to Premier Li for his contributions to the development of ties between the two countries.

In connection with this, the Kremlin announced that day that it is preparing work for a trilateral summit among the leaders of the U.S., China, and Russia during next month's APEC summit. This statement can be seen as characteristic of Russia, which has continuously dedicated efforts to making the summit materialize since the 1st of last month. Accordingly, asserting that the trilateral U.S.-China-Russia summit—heralded as a potential second Yalta Conference—is virtually locked in appears well warranted.

                                                                                                           Hong Soon-do