Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where they reaffirmed their strong partnership amid rising tensions with the West. Putin thanked Xi for his efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, where Russia is engaged in a significant border incursion. The visit symbolized the growing alliance between the two countries facing challenges in their relationships with the U.S. and Europe. Both leaders expressed a desire for peace in Ukraine, but did not offer any new specifics regarding the conflict.
China, as a key supporter of Russia, has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine in the past, which was rejected by Ukraine and the West. China claims to take a neutral stance in the conflict but supports Russia’s claims of being provoked by the West. Both Xi and Putin highlighted the need for peace and stability in Europe during their meeting. The war in Ukraine has entered a critical stage with Russia’s new offensive, while Kyiv awaits supplies of military equipment from the U.S. after delays. Putin expressed readiness to negotiate over the conflict, emphasizing the importance of considering the interests of all involved countries.
During their meeting, Xi and Putin signed a joint statement on deepening the strategic partnership between China and Russia. Both countries reiterated their position of non-alliance and non-confrontation and expressed concerns about the U.S. and NATO’s strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s assertiveness in territorial disputes in the region has raised tensions with the U.S., particularly regarding Taiwan. The two leaders emphasized the need to deepen their integration of interests and work together to strengthen their advantages.
The economic ties between Russia and China have grown stronger as Western sanctions have limited Russia’s access to global trade. China has become a major market for Russian military hardware, while Russia relies on Chinese imports for high-tech components for its military industries. The two countries have held joint military exercises and shared sensitive military technologies, strengthening their defense capabilities. Putin has mentioned sharing military technology with China, including the development of an early warning system for ballistic missile launches.
The close partnership between Russia and China has expanded beyond economic and military cooperation to include joint statements on deepening their strategic partnership. The two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other despite pressure from the West. Putin and Xi’s meeting underscored the importance of their alliance as both countries navigate challenging geopolitical dynamics. Their cooperation in addressing issues such as the war in Ukraine and regional stability reflects their shared interests and strategic objectives.
