Xi and Putin praised their relationship prior to their "peaceful journey" to Moscow.
As Xi Jinping made his way to meet with Russia's internationally isolated president, Vladimir Putin, the two leaders lauded the strength of their alliance on Monday.
As Xi Jinping made his way to meet with Russia's internationally isolated president, Vladimir Putin, the two leaders lauded the strength of their alliance on Monday. Despite criticism from Western nations over China's perceived tacit support of Russia's war in Ukraine, Xi referred to his trip as a "journey of friendship, cooperation and peace". In a signed article in the Russian Gazette and carried by China's state news agency Xinhua, Xi expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Putin in formulating a new vision for their relationship. China has maintained a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict and the country's foreign ministry pledged last week to facilitate peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
Putin commended China's efforts towards ending the Ukraine conflict, seeing it as a demonstration of their willingness to contribute positively, while simultaneously highlighting the strong bond between China and Russia. Xi's visit is seen as a show of support for Putin, who made a provocative move by visiting Mariupol, a Ukrainian city under Russian control since Moscow's invasion in February 2022.
Moreover, Xi's trip comes in the aftermath of an International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin on war crime charges related to the deportation of Ukrainian children. China's response was to caution against politicization and double standards, and to stress the importance of respecting the immunity of heads of state under international law. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that dialogue and negotiation were the keys to resolving the Ukraine conflict.
It's worth noting that neither China nor Russia has ratified the Rome Statute, which established the ICC.
‘No limits’ friendship
Breaking with longstanding precedent to begin a third term as president this month, Xi Jinping has referred to Putin as his "old friend." In recent years, China and Russia have strengthened their partnership, forming a diplomatic bulwark against the West. As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, Beijing has criticized what it sees as a US-led campaign of pressure against Moscow, calling for "impartial" mediation of the conflict.
In February, China issued a 12-point position paper that emphasized dialogue and respect for territorial sovereignty. In his Russian media article on Monday, Xi reiterated China's objective and impartial position and its promotion of peace talks. Western nations have criticized China's stance, claiming that the country is providing diplomatic cover for Moscow's war in Ukraine. They argue that China's proposals are lacking in practical solutions.
The United States, for instance, last week rejected calls for a ceasefire that would benefit Russia, claiming that China's proposals would simply consolidate "Russian conquest" and enable the Kremlin to prepare a new offensive. Furthermore, Washington has accused China of considering arms exports to Moscow, although China has vehemently denied these allegations.
‘A new vision’
Despite Xi Jinping's efforts, analysts believe that his actions are unlikely to lead to a reconciliation in the Ukraine conflict. Nevertheless, his visit to Moscow will be closely monitored by Western nations.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Xi may also be planning his first call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war began. Zelensky has expressed a desire to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart.
On Monday, Xi and Putin are expected to have an "informal" one-on-one meeting and dinner, followed by negotiations on Tuesday. The Kremlin has announced that the two leaders will sign an agreement "on strengthening (the two countries') comprehensive partnership and strategic relations entering a new era" and a joint declaration on Russian-Chinese economic cooperation until 2030.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that Xi Jinping may be arranging his first call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the beginning of the conflict. Zelensky has shown interest in having discussions with his Chinese counterpart.
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