On Thursday, China’s President Xi Jinping warmly welcomed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin as he began a two-day state visit to Beijing. This visit highlights the close relationship between the two leaders, even as Russia continues its military offensive in Ukraine.
The two leaders signed a joint statement to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi demonstrated that China and Russia will continue their policy of non-alliance and non-confrontation.
Putin received full military honors at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, a significant ceremonial location next to Tiananmen Square. During their meeting, Xi congratulated Putin on his re-election to a fifth term and celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, which began after World War II.
Xi praised the growing relationship between the two nations, describing them as good neighbors and partners. This partnership was solidified with a “no limits” agreement signed in 2022, just before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Russia has become more dependent on China economically due to Western sanctions.
Putin, speaking to Russian state news, said that the Russia-China relationship is not aimed against anyone and that their cooperation is a stabilizing factor in global affairs. He also praised China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, which aims to connect China with its neighbors through infrastructure projects.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin indicated that Russia is open to dialogue. In an interview with Chinese media, he stated that any negotiations must consider the interests of all involved, including Russia.
Putin’s visit coincides with a new Russian offensive in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, which has displaced nearly 8,000 people. The conflict, now in its second year, has reached a critical stage for Ukraine as it waits for more military aid from the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists that any peace talks must include restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity, withdrawing Russian troops, releasing prisoners, prosecuting those responsible for aggression, and providing security guarantees for Ukraine.
China claims to be neutral in the conflict but has supported Russia’s stance that the West provoked the invasion. Putin blames the West for failed negotiations early in the war and supports China’s peace plan, which allows Russia to keep its territorial gains.
The Kremlin announced that Xi and Putin will discuss their partnership and strategic cooperation in detail, covering various international and regional issues.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia and China are leading efforts to create a fairer, multipolar world order. He noted that the upcoming visit would strengthen their cooperation.
As the war in Ukraine continues, Russia has strengthened its ties with China, redirecting energy exports and relying on Chinese technology to circumvent Western sanctions. The military relationship between the two nations has also grown, with joint war games and exchanges of sensitive military technologies.
All over, this visit of Russian President underscores the deepening bond between China and Russia amid ongoing global tensions.
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