BEIJING: Leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping framed their nations’ ties as a stabilizing force in a chaotic world during their meeting Thursday in Beijing. Putin sought greater Chinese support for his war effort in Ukraine and Russia’s isolated economy.
This visit marks Putin’s first trip abroad since his March re-election and his second visit to China in just over six months. China remains an economic lifeline for Moscow following Western sanctions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed Putin being greeted by Xi at a grand welcoming ceremony outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. The national anthems of both countries played as the leaders met, beginning a two-day visit expected to deepen their “no limits” relationship.
Xi described China-Russia relations as “conducive to peace” and expressed China’s readiness to work with Russia to uphold global fairness and justice. He emphasized the importance of cherishing and nurturing the hard-earned China-Russia relationship.
Putin, in turn, described their ties as stabilizing factors in the international arena, asserting that Russia-China relations are not opportunistic or directed against anyone. He emphasized their commitment to justice and a democratic world order based on international law.
Putin’s arrival followed his praise for Russian troops advancing in Ukraine. Xi, who recently returned from a tour of Europe, has dismissed Western criticism of China’s ties with Moscow, benefiting from cheap Russian energy imports and access to vast natural resources.
The economic partnership between China and Russia has been scrutinized by the West. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that China’s support for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine had helped Moscow ramp up the production of military equipment.
China claims neutrality in the conflict and has positioned itself as a mediator. Following Thursday’s talks, Xi reiterated the need for a political solution to the war, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and security concerns of all countries. His remarks echoed a resolution proposal from Beijing last year, which Western countries criticized as potentially allowing Russia to retain seized Ukrainian territory.
Xi expressed hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in Europe and promised that Beijing would continue to play a constructive role in that effort.
Trade between China and Russia has surged since the Ukraine invasion, reaching $240 billion in 2023. However, Chinese exports to Russia dipped in March and April after an initial surge, influenced by U.S. threats of sanctions on foreign banks dealing with Russia. Analysts suggest Beijing may be cautious about openly increasing cooperation with Russia amid efforts to rebuild ties with the United States.
Eight individuals involved in cross-border trade reported that several Chinese banks have halted or slowed transactions with Russian clients. Putin’s post-election trip to Beijing mirrors Xi’s visit to Russia following his re-election last year.
