Russian President Vladimir Putin, amidst his two-day meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressed his support for China’s peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In an interview with Xinhua, Putin described China’s initiative as a “genuine desire” to halt the hostilities, acknowledging its grasp of the conflict’s “root causes” and global ramifications.
He lauded China’s recent adjustments to the plan as “pragmatic and constructive steps”, highlighting their role in moving beyond Cold War mentalities. “The supplementary principles outlined by President Xi Jinping stated about the urgency of de-escalation and creating conditions for peace and stability,” Putin remarked, echoing sentiments expressed during discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Reacting to Putin’s remarks regarding plausible negotiations over the war, Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak dismissed them as ‘hypocritical’, according to Al Jazeera.
Putin’s arrival in Beijing today marked his inaugural overseas journey since reclaiming the presidency in March. This visit, his second to China in just over half a year, highlights the expanding partnership between the two nations. Additionally, Putin is slated to visit the Northeastern city of Harbin for a trade and investment exposition, further strengthening economic ties.
The relationship between Russia and China, described as “no limits,” predates Moscow’s alleged invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While Beijing has abstained from direct military involvement, it has emerged as a crucial economic ally amid Western sanctions triggered by Russia’s military actions.
Trade between the two nations has surged, propelled by China’s reliance on affordable Russian energy imports and access to abundant natural resources, facilitated notably by consistent gas shipments via the Power of Siberia pipeline.
However, despite the economic advantages, China remains cautious due to its ongoing trade friction with the United States. Recent hefty tariffs imposed by the US on various Chinese exports have exacerbated tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Amid escalating tensions, the US has imposed sanctions on numerous entities, including Chinese firms, over perceived support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington’s commitment to penalizing enterprises allegedly aiding Russia’s military capabilities, expressing deep concern.
Russia frames the conflict in Ukraine as a struggle against a ‘Collective West,’ citing NATO expansion and military activities near its borders as security threats disregarding its concerns.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been advocating for peace, urging China’s participation in a forthcoming summit in Switzerland. However, Russia, excluded from the summit, dismisses the initiative, insisting that negotiations must align with ‘new realities.’
Zelenskyy’s plea for support includes a request for Patriot missile defence systems from the US to safeguard Kharkiv, near the Russian border, amidst advancing Russian forces in the area, reported Al Jazeera.
