Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for a state visit. Against the backdrop of Russia’s offensive war in Ukraine, talks scheduled until Wednesday will focus on developing relations into a comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China, according to the Kremlin.
The visit from Beijing also suits Vladimir Putin well, because it allows him to show that he is not isolated internationally in the war. China has not condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and is committed to peace negotiations. Putin called Xi Jinping a “good old friend” for his visit to Moscow.
Before the visit, Xi stressed Beijing’s “objective and unbiased” position on the war in Ukraine. China is making active efforts to support peace talks and reconciliation, Xi said in an article for Russia’s government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta published on Sunday.
Putin thanks for “balanced attitude”
Putin also wrote an article for China’s “People’s Daily” before Xi’s visit. In it, he praised China’s willingness to play a “constructive role” in ending the conflict. “Russia is open to a politico-diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis,” Putin wrote in the post published by the Kremlin on Sunday evening.
In it, however, Putin insisted that Kiev must recognize “new geopolitical realities” with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and four Ukrainian regions last year. Ultimatums to Russia show that their authors are “far removed from this reality and have no interest in finding a solution,” the president added. Like Xi, Putin also claimed close Russian-Chinese cooperation.
Beijing close ally of Moscow
China is considered a close ally of Russia. At the same time, Beijing has largely complied with international sanctions against Moscow so as not to become the target of punitive measures itself. A peace initiative recently presented by Beijing met with widespread disappointment in the West.
In its position paper on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, China proposed a ceasefire and negotiations. However, the plan does not contain any specific requirements for Russia. The two heads of state also want to discuss this plan in their meeting. According to the Kremlin, an official welcome ceremony, a one-on-one meeting, a talk with the Russian and Chinese delegations and a joint dinner are planned.
Source: Krone
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