Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet again. On Xi's invitation, Putin will embark on a two-day visit to China, occurring on May 16 and 17, representing his first state visit since his fifth presidential term.
The visit draws global attention as it's Putin's second trip to China within seven months, the first being in October last year. Moreover, it marks Putin's first foreign visit since his re-election, signaling critical diplomatic movements.
China's Foreign Ministry indicates the discussions will revolve around international and regional issues, underscoring the depth of the Russia-China dialogue.
A Russian official stressed to a news agency that China remains their strategic ally, unaffected by Western opinions or actions.
Putin's China Agenda?
Commemorating 75 years of Russia-China diplomatic ties, Putin’s visit bears significant implications. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin revealed that Putin and Xi would deliberate on bi-lateral relations, cooperation, and relevant international and regional matters.
Prior to the Ukraine conflict, Putin announced an unlimited Russia-China partnership with Xi, a move signaling expansive ambitions.
The Kremlin declares upcoming discussions on extensive partnership and strategic cooperation, setting the stage for a joint statement and the signing of several bilateral agreements.
Beyond diplomatic discussions, Putin is also set to meet Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and will later visit Harbin city, amplifying the visit’s breadth.
Source: aajtak
What Putin Desires?
In troubling times, Putin's tour happens as Xi returns from tours in France, Serbia, and Hungary. During his tour, Xi committed to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen not to supply arms to Russia.
Putin's utmost priority is the 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline project deal aimed to direct natural gas from northern Russia to China. The much-talked-about Russo-Chinese agreement is yet to be fully realized.
Furthermore, Putin seeks to have China mitigate the economic damages that Russia has endured due to the Ukrainian crisis. Although Russo-Chinese trade has grown significantly over the years, Putin aspires to drive further expansion.
In an interview with Xinhua, Putin praised the economic ties between the nations, stating they've reached an all-time high despite global challenges.
Putin expects China to continue supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict surreptitiously, as has been the case thus far.
Additionally, Putin hopes Xi will withstand Western pressures and remain a steadfast Russian ally.
What's on Xi's Mind?
President Xi Jinping appears to be balancing interests between bolstering ties with Russia and maintaining stability with Western nations.
According to The New York Times, China-U.S. relations, which had been at their worst, are now realigning. Europe also shows improved relations, recently seen through German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to China.
The indirect support to Russia during the Ukraine crisis has prompted U.S. backlash, resulting in sanctions on numerous Chinese companies associated with Russia.
Most analysts predict that if forced to choose, Xi will side with Russia due to the longstanding perspective of the West as the primary competitor.
Taiwan and the South China Sea tensions have seen consistent Russian support, contrasting the Western advocacy for Taiwan.
In the Middle East, China and Russia are seeking allies to contest American influence, with Iran appearing as a potential partner.
This meeting is also a litmus test for the China-Russia friendship, as they navigate significant global changes.
Global focus is riveted on Putin and Xi's meeting given the ongoing geopolitical strife, making it a pivotal moment for international relations.
The alliance between Russia, Iran, and North Korea is seen as a consolidation of authoritarian forces against western democracies, reflecting a significant geopolitical shift.
Predictions abound about upcoming discussions between Putin and Xi, which could include the Middle East tensions, with expectations high for significant diplomatic maneuvers.
This meeting promises to redefine the contours of the China-Russia friendship, marking a new era of cooperation against Western interests.
Source: aajtak
