Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to China to meet with President Xi Jinping as the two countries are developing a historically strong relationship. Xi and Putin describe each other as close friends. The robust ties between Moscow and Beijing grew as Washington provoked Russia and China with military buildups that threatened their core interests.
In the runup to the Belt and Road Forum, Xi said that the developing relationship between Moscow and Beijing was mutually beneficial. “Although the world today is not peaceful, downward pressure on the global economy is increasing and global development faces a great deal of challenges,” he explained. “The historical trend toward peace, development and mutually beneficial cooperation cannot be stopped. People’s striving for a better life and the aspiration of all countries for common development and prosperity are irresistible.”
Putin arrived in China on Tuesday for the summit. In comments to Chinese state media, Putin said, “Chairman Xi Jinping calls me his friend, and I call him my friend.” Trade between the two nations has increased by 30% over the first three quarters of 2023 and is projected to exceed $190 billion for the full year.
Before the forum, Putin explained that Moscow views the globe as shifting to a “multipolar” landscape over one dominated by Washington. Ahead of the meeting with Xi, the Kremlin remarked, “During the talks, special attention will be paid to international and regional issues.”
Over the last several American presidential administrations, the US has built up its military in the regions surrounding Russia and China. Moscow and Beijing have viewed Washington’s policies as extreme provocations. Russia and China consider the arming of Ukraine and Taiwan, respectively, as core national security threats. The White House’s plan to bring Kiev into NATO and ship weapons to Ukraine caused Russia to invade the country last year.
Under President Joe Biden, Washington has taken several steps that invalidate the “One China Policy” that managed the tensions between Beijing and Taipei for decades. However, Biden has stated several times that the US will go to war with China to maintain Taiwan’s separation from the mainland.
Putin’s trip to China comes as the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes involving the kidnapping of children in Ukraine. Washington backs the ICC prosecution of Putin. However, the US is not a party to the court. Washington has sanctioned the Hague and has gone as far as to threaten to invade the court if Americans or Israelis are tried by the court.
Notably, Biden, Putin, and Xi have expressed different views on the war in Israel. Chinese and Russian officials have called for calm to be restored. On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “Israel’s actions have gone beyond self-defense.” The State Department has issued a memo to diplomats instructing them not to mention any calls for peace, a ceasefire, or calm. Biden’s Press Secretary denounced some Democrats in Congress as “disgraceful” and “repugnant” for calling for peace.
While international issues will be on the table, Xi and Putin are expected to focus on energy cooperation. Russia is planning to build a new gas pipeline to China.
