China's Xi Jinping Visits Russia - Leaders Pledge To Deepen Ties
On the first day of a state visit billed by Beijing as a peacemaking initiative despite widespread skepticism in Kyiv and the West, China's Xi Jinping visits Russia, meets Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin and emphasized China and Russia's close connections and shared strategic goals.
Author:Rhyley CarneyReviewer:Paula M. GrahamMar 21, 202312.5K Shares177.4K Views
On the first day of a state visit billed by Beijing as a peacemaking initiative despite widespread skepticism in Kyiv and the West, China's Xi Jinping visits Russia,and meets Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin and emphasized China and Russia's close connections and shared strategic goals.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for a three-day visit, during which he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss deepening economic and political ties between the two countries.
"Dear friends" Xi and Putin meet in Moscow to discuss China's proposed peace plan in Ukraine
Leaders Pledge To Strengthen Cooperation
During the meeting, Xi and Putin pledged to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, energy, and technology. They also emphasized the importance of promoting multilateralism and maintaining global stability.
Antony Blinken, a senior US official, stated that the visit demonstrated China's intention to offer "diplomatic cover" for suspected Russian atrocities in Ukraine.
“„That President Xi is traveling to Russia days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin suggests that China feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine, and instead of even condemning them, it would rather provide diplomatic cover for Russia to continue to commit those very crimes.- Antony Blinken, a senior US official
Closer Cooperation In The Face Of Western Pressure
The visit comes at a time when both China and Russia are facing increased pressure from the West, with the United States and European Union imposing sanctions on both countries over various issues, including human rights, cybersecurity, and territorial disputes.
Xi and Putin have repeatedly emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between their countries in the face of these challenges. They have also expressed their opposition to what they see as Western interference in their internal affairs.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, one of Russia's 10 deputy prime ministers, and a Russian military band greeted the Chinese leader upon his arrival at Vnukovo airport in Moscow, although Vladimir Putin was absent from the event.
Later, Russian media showed Xi's motorcade traversing the city.
On February 4, 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China's capital.
China has recently attempted to rebrand itself, portraying itself as a peace advocate and defending its ties with Russia as beneficial to world stability. China issued a vague position paper on the "political solution" to the Ukrainian conflict last month.
The White House voiced alarm on Friday, following the news of Xi's travel to Moscow, over prospective Chinese suggestions that would be "unilateral and reflect just the Russian position."
Strengthening Ties In The Belt And Road Initiative
One of the key areas of discussion during Xi's visit was the Belt and Road Initiative, China's flagship foreign policy program that seeks to increase economic connectivity between China and countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Russia has been a key partner in the initiative, with the two countries signing a memorandum of understanding in 2019 to align the Belt and Road Initiative with Russia's own Eurasian Economic Union.
Final Words
The visit by China's Xi Jinping to Russia highlights the growing ties between the two countries and their commitment to strengthening cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, and technology.
As both countries face increasing pressure from the West, the visit serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting multilateralism and maintaining global stability.
Rhyley Carney
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
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