Relations between China and Russia have been at the center of international news in recent days, as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin strengthened their strategic partnership in Beijing. This demonstration of alignment between the two leaders comes in a tense context, as Russian troops advance in Ukraine.
Xi Jinping’s welcome to Putin at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People was marked by full military pomp, underscoring the importance of the two-day state visit. The two leaders signed a joint declaration aimed at deepening ties between their countries, demonstrating their willingness to strengthen cooperation in various areas.
Xi Jinping stressed during the visit that China-Russia relations have withstood changes in the international landscape and contribute positively to global strategic stability. For his part, Putin highlighted practical cooperation between the two countries, highlighting the successes of bilateral trade and emphasizing the importance of the energy, industry and agriculture sectors in their collaboration.
This meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping is the fourth since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. As the war in Ukraine continues to raise international concerns, discussions between the two leaders could address this sensitive subject, notably with the participation of the new Russian Defense Minister, Andrei Belousov, and the former minister, Sergei Shoigu.
Putin’s visit to Beijing comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to suspend his upcoming international trips to concentrate on the defense of his country against the Russian offensive. At the same time, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv to reaffirm US support for Ukraine and provide essential military aid.
China finds itself under pressure from the United States and Europe to prevent its exports to Russia from financing the Kremlin’s war effort. White House officials have expressed concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, but Beijing has dismissed the accusations as normal trade.
In conclusion, the meeting between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in Beijing strengthens ties between China and Russia in a complex international context. As the war in Ukraine continues to shake the international community, the Sino-Russian partnership is taking on a new strategic dimension that could have significant repercussions on the global order.