SOCHI, November 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club that China is not pursuing dominance but aims to cooperate with other countries.

He also emphasized that there is no tension between Moscow and Beijing regarding their relations with Central Asian nations.

"There is no aspiration for dominance in the Chinese philosophy, that's the point. This is the appeal of the proposal put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping - the 'Belt and Road' initiative," Putin pointed out. "One belt and one, common road," Putin reiterated, explaining that it is "not only the Chinese road, it is the common road."

"This is exactly the case in our bilateral relations, this is exactly how we act - in each other's interests," the Russian president emphasized. He cited the situation in Central Asia as an example. "Everyone was counting on some kind of clash or tensions between Russia and China in Central Asia," Putin said. He pointed out that there are "many problems" in Central Asian countries, noting that if the People's Republic of China helps these economies, it would contribute to stabilizing internal political processes and statehood. "Russia is certainly interested in this; we want to have a stable environment and stable development there, this is in our interests as well," the Russian leader continued.

"Therefore, there is no competition there. There is cooperation, which does not hinder the development of our traditional ties with this region," the Russian head of state assured. In his opinion, the countries of Central Asia, which "for centuries were part of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, not only remember, but cherish contacts and special ties, which benefits everyone.".