The Russian Federation has strengthened its Strategic Partnership with China
President Xi with President Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping continue talks in Moscow on Tuesday, with economic cooperation set to take center stage on the second day of the Beijing leader’s three-day visit to Russia. Putin and Xi had a one-on-one discussion on the war in Ukraine on Monday, with government delegations joining them on Tuesday. The two sides are to sign two major agreements to expand “comprehensive partnership” and “strategic cooperation”, according to the Kremlin. The Russian Defense Minister, Serghei Şoigu, will also participate in the meeting. According to Moscow, technical-military cooperation will also be on the discussion agenda. The West fears that China could supply weapons to Russia for the war it started in Ukraine. For Putin, Xi’s visit is welcome because it allows him to show that he is not isolated internationally. China has not condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and is engaged in peace negotiations. Xi emphasized China’s neutral stance at the start of the visit. According to the Kremlin, statements by the two leaders are scheduled after the talks. China is considered a close ally of Russia. At the same time, Beijing largely submitted to international sanctions against Moscow in order not to become the target of punitive measures.
“I am confident that the visit will be fruitful and give new impetus to the healthy and stable development of China-Russia relations through comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in a new era,” Xi said after arriving in Moscow, according to state-run Russian news agency Tass. The Chinese leader was greeted by Putin, who commended China’s growth in recent years, saying “we even envy you a little.” Putin also said that he had “carefully studied” China’s proposal to end the war in Ukraine. That plan, which urges respect for the “sovereignty of all countries,” does not call for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. “You are also aware that we are always open to the negotiation process. We will, of course, discuss all these issues, including your initiatives, which we treat with respect,” Putin said. The Chinese leader’s visit comes amid concerns that China may be preparing to provide lethal weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine, which China denies. It also comes days after Putin was accused of war crimes, including orchestrating the forced removal of Ukrainian children to Russian territory, by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
By Paul Bumman
