Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin Strengthen Ties Amid Global Forum in Beijing
Image Source: AP News
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing, underscoring their nations’ deepening political and economic relations during a major international forum. Putin’s visit marks his first to a global power since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, making their discussions even more significant.
As the two leaders met at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, President Xi described their countries’ growing political trust and their effective strategic coordination. Over the past decade, the two leaders have held 42 meetings, leading to a productive working relationship and a profound friendship. Putin, often referred to as Xi’s “old friend,” enjoyed a warm welcome.
The Russian President is the guest of honor at a summit hosted by Xi, celebrating China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a vast trade and infrastructure project designed to strengthen global connectivity and cooperation.
Amid international attention focused on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Xi and Putin did not publicly comment on the situation. However, President Xi called for collaborative efforts between China and Russia to uphold international fairness and justice, a move that aligns with their strategic coordination.
China and Russia’s partnership is not merely symbolic. They are each other’s largest trading partners, with exchanges between the nations reaching a record $190 billion in the previous year. During discussions, Xi highlighted the progress toward the goal of $200 billion in bilateral trade set by the two countries.
The international community has noted China’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, with Beijing refusing to criticize Moscow’s actions. This has led to Western criticism, but China maintains its position.
Putin’s visit signifies an effort to bolster the strong bond between the two nations. While Moscow plays a crucial role, experts suggest that it may increasingly find itself as the junior partner in the relationship. Discussions between the two leaders focused on close coordination in foreign policy in light of current challenges, as they seek to further strengthen their collaboration.
As representatives from 130 countries gathered in Beijing for the two-day forum, President Xi emphasized China’s commitment to rejecting “economic coercion” and “bloc confrontation.” In a veiled reference to China’s competition with the United States, Xi stated that Beijing would avoid “ideological confrontation, geopolitical games, or bloc confrontation.” China opposes unilateral sanctions, economic coercion, decoupling, and delinking. Xi emphasized the importance of win-win cooperation to drive global economic progress.
Xi pledged to inject over $100 billion in new funding into Belt and Road Initiative projects, further emphasizing China’s commitment to global development and cooperation.
The meeting between Xi and Putin highlights the ever-strengthening ties between China and Russia, which, despite geopolitical challenges, continue to deepen their partnership in both economic and political realms. As global dynamics evolve, the strategic alliance between these two nations remains a significant force in the international landscape.
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- News Writer
- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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