Putin's China visit highlights strengthening ties amidst global tensions

On Thursday in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin was received with an entire military ceremony to mark the start of his two-day visit to China. Xi Jinping emphasized that Russia and China are "good neighbours, friends, and partners." Putin noted that these relations are not directed against any other country.

"Of pivotal importance" is that relations between Beijing and Moscow "are neither opportunistic nor directed against anyone," Putin assessed. He added that the current cooperation between Russia and China is a "major stabilising factor" on the international political scene.

Putin noted that Moscow and Beijing possess "solid resources for practical cooperation."

Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to work with the Russian leader on the "development and renewal of both countries" and on "collaboration for justice (...) in the world." He emphasised that China "will always be a good partner" to Russia.

The AP agency assesses that Putin's visit to China is a "display of ally unity."

Both countries, ruled by autocratic leaders, established relations 75 years ago. According to the AP agency, the purpose of the visit is to confirm their commitment to "unlimited" relations, which were established just before Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022.

Since then, Moscow has become increasingly economically dependent on China, as Western sanctions have cut Russia off from significant areas of the international trade system.