Putin Expects China’s Xi to Visit Soon, While Xi Holds His Line on Ukraine

Kevin Liffey

(Reuters) –Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Friday that he expected Chinese President Xi Jinping, to visit him in early next year. It would be a public showing of solidarity with Beijing following Russia’s invasion and defeat of Ukraine.

However, a Chinese official readout of a summit video between the two leaders showed differences in approach to their alliance development. It made no mention of a trip and stressed that Beijing would not back down or condemn the invasion. “objective and fair” stance.

Russia has been sending troops to Ukraine since February. This is in direct contrast to the West’s attempts to isolate and destabilize it economically and politicallly. Russia has now armed Ukraine and sought out its long-standing rival China.

“We are expecting you, dear Mr. Chairman, dear friend, we are expecting you next spring on a state visit to Moscow,” Putin addressed Xi in a rousing eight-minute introductory broadcast broadcast on state television.

“This will demonstrate to the whole world the strength of Russian-Chinese ties on key issues.”

He also stated he would like to strengthen military cooperation between China and the United States, even though the CCTV broadcast of the call did not mention this.

Xi even called Putin his “dear friend”His opening statement, which was only about a quarter of the length of Putin’s, was much more pragmatic.

Both men had signed a “no limits” Strategic partnership in February was informed by shared distrust in the West. This happened just days before Russia sent its armed force into Ukraine in what it calls “a” invasion. “special military operation”.

After the call, United States declared that it was “concerned” China’s alignment to Russia and reiterated that it had warned Beijing about consequences if it provided Russia with military aid for its war against Ukraine.

“We are monitoring Beijing’s activity closely,” A spokesperson from the State Department stated this. “Beijing claims to be neutral, but its behaviour makes clear it is still investing in close ties to Russia.”

According to U.S. officials, Beijing has not provided material support to Russia for war. This could result in sanctions against China.

TRADE SOARS

Russia is now the largest crude oil supplier to China, having overtaken Saudi Arabia. This was after major Western countries responded to the invasion with a coordinated, unprecedented barrage of sanctions. Bilateral trade has skyrocketed and financial ties are expanding.

Russia’s Finance Ministry doubled Friday the maximum Chinese yuan share in its National Wealth Fund, (NWF) from 40% to 60%. Moscow is trying to do this to help others. “de-dollarise” End dependency and grow its economy “unfriendly” The United States, European Union members, Britain and Japan are all included.

Moscow also supported Xi’s Taiwan position and accused the West, who are trying to provoke a conflict about the status of Taiwan’s self-governing island. China claims Taiwan as its own.

Putin said to Xi: “You and I share the same views on the causes, course and logic of the ongoing transformation of the global geopolitical landscape, in the face of unprecedented pressure and provocations from the West.”

However, Xi has been much more reserved in his criticisms against Western countries that are China’s major export market and has remained neutral on Russia’s invasion.

China has not condemned the incident, but instead stressed the need to have peace. Putin, however, acknowledged in September that his Chinese counterpart had. “concerns” About Russia’s actions.

Xi did however tell Putin that China was open to increasing strategic cooperation with Russia in the face of what he called a “disastrous” situation. “difficult” Situation in the global community.

Dmitry Peskov (Kremlin spokesperson) said the meeting was constructive and substantive, but that no date has been set yet for Xi’s visit.

(Reporting from Reuters; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista and Michael Martina respectively in Shanghai and Washington; Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing and editing by Andrew Heavens, Tomasz Januaryowski and Nick Macfie).

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases