Putin Says Russia’s Relations With China Reaching ‘New Frontiers’

Biden admin is worried that Beijing will support Moscow’s war on Ukraine. During a meeting in Moscow (Russia), February 22, 2023, Vladimir Putin and Wang Yi shake hands. Sputnik/Anton Novoderezhkin/Pool via REUTERS

February 22, 2023

Guy Faulconbridge

MOSCOW (Reuters)—President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that China’s Xi Jinping would visit Russia, saying relations had reached “new frontiers” Despite American concerns, Beijing may provide material support for Russia’s invasion in Ukraine.

China’s weapons supply to Russia would lead to an increase in tension between Russia and China and Ukraine and NATO, the U.S.-led military alliance.

Putin received Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat to the Kremlin. He told him that bilateral trade is better than expected and could soon exceed $200 billion per year. This would be an increase from $185 billion by 2022.

“We await a visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China to Russia, we have agreed on this,” Putin spoke to Wang.

“Everything is progressing, developing. We are reaching new frontiers,” Putin spoke.

Wang said to Putin that relations between China and Russia had remained stable despite the volatile international situation, and that crises provided opportunities.

Wang spoke through an interpreter that the relationship between China & Russia was not directed at any third party. However, it was equally fair. “not succumb to pressure from third parties” This is a direct jab at the United States.

“Together we support multi-polarity and democratisation in international relations,” Wang told Putin. “This fully meets the course of time and history; it also meets the interests of the majority of countries.”

Wang met Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, earlier and stated that he was eager to sign new agreements during his visit in Moscow. There was no information on the details.

Xi met Putin just before Russia sent troops in Ukraine. This sealed a deal. “no limits” Anxiety in the West was caused by a partnership.

China is Russia’s largest oil buyer and is one of the major sources of revenues for Moscow.

XI AND PUTIN

Putin sees China’s support for big-power in the largest confrontation with the West since the heights of the Cold War as an opportunity to paint Russia’s isolation from the West as a victory.

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