Xi and Putin say they have ‘similar goals’ during in-person meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping touted that Beijing and Russia have “similar goals” during his face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.

Xi’s visit to Moscow, his first since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago, marks a significant geopolitical moment as the two authoritarian leaders converge with the likely possibility of a strengthened partnership between the two countries.

XI ARRIVES IN MOSCOW FOR MEETING WITH PUTIN

“It is true that both of our countries share the same, or some similar, goals. We have exerted efforts for the prosperity of our respective countries. … We can cooperate and work together to achieve our goals,” Xi said, according to CNN, while Putin echoed that sentiment, saying, “Symbolically, we met here 10 years [ago] during your first visit as an elected representative of China. In this time, we made progress in relations. We have many common interests and goals.”

While Xi and Beijing have claimed to promote peace throughout the course of the war, they do it under a guise that benefits Putin and Russia. Beijing released a 12-point peace plan last month for the war in Ukraine that called for a ceasefire that would freeze the current battlefield positions in place, effectively solidifying Russia’s current occupation in Ukraine.

“We have thoroughly studied your proposals for resolving the acute crisis in Ukraine,” Putin said, addressing Xi, according to Russian state media, Tass. “Of course, we will have an opportunity to discuss this.”

“We know that you proceed from the principles of justice and observance of the fundamental provisions of international law and indivisible security for all countries,” the Russian president added. “Of course, we will discuss all these issues, including your initiatives, which we treat with respect, of course.”

Putin also called the proposal “well-balanced” in comments published ahead of their meeting, while Xi, in his pre-meeting statement, said the plan “takes into account the legitimate concerns of all parties and reflects the broadest common understanding of the international community on the crisis. It has been constructive in mitigating the spillovers of the crisis and facilitating its political settlement. There is no simple solution to a complex issue.”

U.S. officials have already dismissed the proposal while expressing that same disinterest in any possible peace proposal that Xi and Putin unveil during their meeting.

“We do not believe that this is a step towards a just and durable peace. And as we’ve all talked about, a just and durable — a sustainable peace has got to be one that is not one-sided, and that fully incorporates Ukrainian perspectives and respects the basic idea of sovereignty,” National Security Council coordinator John Kirby said last Friday, noting that Chinese leaders may try to portray themselves as “peacemakers.”

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The two authoritarian leaders have a long-standing relationship that dates back to 2010 and includes more than 40 meetings, Putin said.

“I’m very happy that I can visit Russia again, at your invitation. And that Russia is the first country that I visited after my reelection as China’s president,” Xi told Putin. “I know that the Russia presidential election is next year. Russia’s development has significantly improved under your firm leadership. I believe that the Russian people will continue to strongly support you.”