China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin met on Thursday, affirming a deepening partnership between the two nations while condemning what they perceive as aggressive actions by the United States on the global stage.
In a grand display of diplomatic camaraderie, Xi welcomed Putin outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing amidst ceremonial fanfare, including a red carpet reception, military honors, and waving flags of both nations.
The relationship between China and Russia took a significant turn in February 2022 when Putin’s visit to Beijing preceded Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. This move signaled a shift towards a more assertive stance against perceived U.S. dominance.
Xi and Putin, both in their seventies, emphasized their commitment to this “new era” of collaboration, which extends to various security issues and shared perspectives on global affairs, including Taiwan, Ukraine, North Korea, and the development of peaceful nuclear technologies and finance.
“The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it,” remarked Xi Jinping, highlighting the importance of their partnership in achieving mutual development and upholding global fairness and justice.
Both leaders share a worldview that sees Western powers in decline and view the post-Cold War era dominated by the U.S. as crumbling.
They perceive the 1991 Soviet collapse and historical European colonialism in China as key moments shaping this perspective.
Meanwhile, the United States considers China its primary competitor and views Russia as a significant national security threat.
President Biden’s characterization of Xi Jinping as a “dictator” and Putin as a “killer” has strained relations further.
Putin’s recent visit to China follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip, which aimed to challenge China’s perceived support for Russia.
However, Putin’s choice to prioritize his ties with Xi underscores the strength of their alliance.
The joint statement issued during Putin’s visit deepens their strategic relationship and explicitly criticizes the U.S., accusing it of perpetuating Cold War mentalities and jeopardizing regional security.
Amidst escalating tensions with the West over the Ukraine conflict, Putin is turning towards China for support, recognizing Beijing as a crucial ally and economic partner.
Concerns persist, however, within the Russian elite about overreliance on China.
Both Xi and Putin expressed support for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis, highlighting the importance of dialogue and opposing prolonged conflict.
As Putin’s visit continues, discussions between Chinese and Russian officials are expected to cover a range of topics, from energy cooperation to regional security.
While the visit focuses on strengthening ties between China and Russia, it also marks a milestone in their historical relationship, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China.
Putin’s itinerary beyond China remains uncertain, but his visit underscores the evolving dynamics of global power and the growing alignment between Beijing and Moscow in challenging U.S. hegemony.
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