Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during the major multilateral Silk Roads summit. As the world turns its attention to the war between Israel and Hamas, this meeting takes on particular importance.
Vladimir Putin is making his first trip to a major world power since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. His arrival in Beijing shows the desire to strengthen the already very strong ties between Russia and China.
Discussions between the two leaders will focus on pressing issues of bilateral practical cooperation and the international agenda. They will also seek to strengthen economic and military cooperation between the two countries.
However, Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing risks being overshadowed by the war between Israel and Hamas. China is expected to play a role in resolving this conflict because of its ties to Iran, which supports Hamas.
Despite limited expectations for big announcements during this visit, it is important to emphasize that China holds a position of power in this relationship, particularly economically.
The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is therefore a key moment to strengthen relations between Russia and China, but it is also an opportunity for China to display its symbolic support for Russia in a complicated international context.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Russian and Chinese presidents in Beijing is of particular importance given the evolution of the current geopolitical situation. It will strengthen ties between the two countries, but also highlight China’s role in resolving international conflicts.