Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a tea ceremony in Beijing’s Zhongnanhai park, China May 16, 2024. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS
China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin pledged enhanced partnership on Thursday, characterizing it as a “new era” of cooperation between the two nations, which they positioned as counterweights to what they perceive as the United States’ aggressive Cold War stance, asserting that it has been sowing disorder globally.
Xi welcomed Putin with ceremonial honors outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, accompanied by a display of military pageantry and a formal reception. This gesture underscored the significance of the occasion, with both leaders hailed by troops and a 21-gun salute, amidst a backdrop of children waving Chinese and Russian flags.
The commitment to an expansive partnership between China and Russia was initially proclaimed in February 2022 during Putin’s visit to Beijing, shortly before Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. The signing of a joint statement by Xi and Putin during the recent meeting reiterated their shared stance against the United States on various security matters, including issues related to Taiwan, Ukraine, North Korea, and collaboration on nuclear technologies and financial matters.
During the meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of the China-Russia relationship, characterizing it as a hard-won achievement that requires careful nurturing. He expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with Russia to promote the development and revitalization of both nations and to uphold fairness and justice globally.
The geopolitical alignment between Russia and China has strengthened in response to perceived external pressures, with both nations finding common ground in challenging what they view as a U.S.-led global order. Xi has reportedly conveyed to Putin the opportunity for transformative global changes, reflecting an ambition to contest U.S. dominance.
The governments of China and Russia, motivated by historical grievances and a desire to counter Western influence, have sought to present the West as in decline, while positioning themselves as alternatives in various domains, including technology, espionage, and military power. However, both nations face their own challenges, such as China’s economic slowdown and NATO’s expansion following Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
The United States regards China as its primary competitor and Russia as a significant threat, with concerns raised about authoritarian governance in both countries. President Biden’s remarks about Xi and Putin have drawn criticism from Beijing and Moscow.
Despite efforts by the United States to address China’s support for Russia’s military actions through diplomatic channels, Xi’s rapport with Putin appears undeterred. Putin’s decision to prioritize a visit to China underscores the importance of their relationship and sends a message about his foreign policy priorities.
The joint statement issued during the visit highlighted the deepening strategic ties between China and Russia, emphasizing plans to enhance military cooperation and promote regional and global security. It also criticized the United States for its Cold War mentality and advocated for a shift away from bloc confrontation.
In response to Western actions targeting Russian assets, the statement condemned initiatives to seize foreign states’ assets, an apparent reference to measures aimed at redirecting profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine was addressed during the meeting, with both leaders expressing opposition to prolonged hostilities and endorsing a political resolution. Putin expressed gratitude to China for its efforts to address the crisis and pledged to update Xi on the situation.
Putin’s discussions with Xi covered various areas of cooperation, including nuclear energy, food supplies, and automotive manufacturing. However, notable was the absence of Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller from Putin’s delegation, as he held talks with Iranian officials.
The visit coincided with a gala celebration marking 75 years since the Soviet Union recognized the People’s Republic of China. It remains unclear whether Putin will undertake further engagements in Asia following his visit to China.
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