Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forthcoming visit to Beijing is anticipated to symbolize the commencement of his new presidential term with a display of solidarity from his closest political ally, Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While concrete agreements may not be the focus of Putin’s two-day mission, it is poised to underscore the enduring partnership between Russia and China, which has remained steadfast amidst pressure from the United States following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Chinese foreign ministry affirmed Putin’s visit, stating that discussions between Xi and Putin would encompass bilateral relations and “international and regional issues of common concern.”
Diplomats and analysts anticipate Putin’s endeavors to elicit further support from China for Russia’s economy, particularly in sustaining its military industries and securing discounted oil and gas supplies. However, beyond economic matters, the visit is poised to emphasize the alignment of Russia and China in challenging the dominance of a US-led global order.
Also Read | Zelensky Halts International Engagements as Frontline Tensions Intensify
“China is Russia’s strategic partner – this is the path chosen by the president of Russia and the leader of China – and nothing is going to change that no matter what the West tries to say or do,” remarked a Russian official speaking anonymously.
In an interview with China’s Xinhua news agency, Putin expressed support for China’s diplomatic efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing Beijing’s nuanced understanding of the situation’s underlying causes and global significance.
Also Read | Poster Targets Pakistan Army Chief Outside UK High Commission Amid PoK Unrest
During his visit, Putin is scheduled to engage in discussions on economic cooperation with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and visit Harbin, a city in northeastern China with historical ties to Russia.
Despite the depth of the Russo-Chinese partnership, China has refrained from providing direct military assistance to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, despite assertions of an unrestricted relationship between the two nations made by Putin and Xi in February 2022.
While the meeting between Xi and Putin carries significant symbolic weight, analysts speculate on the extent of China’s support for Russia, considering the potential ramifications of provoking Washington.
Also Read | Ukraine Withdraws Troops from Parts of Kharkiv Region Amid Russian Offensive
“The very act of receiving Putin by Beijing – on its own – is already a form of support to Russia since China is the sole major country left that has not isolated Moscow,” noted James Char, a security scholar.
However, challenges persist in the Russo-Chinese relationship, including historical mistrust and concerns within Russia about becoming overly dependent on China for resources.
Despite these obstacles, economic ties between the two nations have continued to strengthen, with China emerging as Russia’s largest importer of oil and a significant consumer of Russian natural gas.
