Xi Jinping welcomes Vladimir Putin in China amidst escalating tensions in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has landed in Beijing for a two-day state visit, highlighting his strong connection with Chinese leader Xi Jinping while Russian troops move forward in Ukraine.

This visit, which marks Putin's first official trip abroad since starting his new term as Russia's president, shows the growing bond between the two countries as they come together amidst tensions with the Western nations.

Putin arrived in Beijing shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that he would cancel all future international trips due to Russia's ongoing advances in the northeastern region of Kharkiv.

During their meetings, Xi and Putin are likely to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the conflict in Gaza. They will also touch upon topics such as their growing trade, security, and energy relationships.

Before the trip, Putin expressed his excitement about the strong partnership between the countries in an interview with Chinese state media Xinhua.

He mentioned that the leaders are focused on enhancing foreign policy coordination and expanding cooperation in various sectors such as industry, high-tech, outer space, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other innovative areas.

He also commended China's efforts in addressing the crisis in Ukraine. Instead of condemning Russia's invasion, Beijing has maintained neutrality and advocated for peace talks that consider the perspectives of both sides.

The two leaders, who had previously announced an unrestricted partnership just weeks before the invasion in February 2022, have further deepened their nations' diplomatic, trade, and security relationships following Russia's actions in Ukraine. They view each other as crucial allies in their shared goal of reshaping a global order that they believe is currently dominated by the United States.

Trade between the two economies has increased significantly since the war, reaching an all-time high last year. This surge in trade occurred as other nations imposed sanctions to weaken Russia's financial resources and restrict its access to military supplies.

The Russian flag flies in front of the Great Hall of the People before a welcoming ceremony for Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing last May.

The Russian flag flies in front of the Great Hall of the People before a welcoming ceremony for Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing last May.

Thomas Peter/Pool/Reuters

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Xi welcomed Putin in Beijing amidst increasing pressure from the US and Europe to prevent Chinese exports from supporting Russia's war efforts.

Recently, White House officials have raised concerns with China about their alleged significant support, such as machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, and microelectronics, for Russia's defense industry.

This is the fourth time Xi and Putin are meeting in person. They are known for having a good connection. This is Putin's second visit to Beijing since the invasion. Xi also went to Moscow in 2023 after starting his new term as China's president.

According to the Kremlin, the two leaders will sign several agreements. They will also celebrate 75 years of their diplomatic relations at a special event described as a "gala" by Chinese state media.

Putin is set to not only meet with Xi in Beijing but also to visit Harbin, the capital of China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province bordering Russia’s Far East. In Harbin, he will participate in trade and cooperation forums.

Editor's P/S:

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing underscores the growing alliance between the two nations amidst global tensions. Putin's visit, his first official trip abroad since his re-election, symbolizes the deepening diplomatic, trade, and security ties between Russia and China.

The leaders' discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine, where China has maintained a neutral stance, advocating for peace talks. They will also address issues such as Gaza, trade, and energy. Notably, trade between Russia and China has surged since the invasion, providing Russia with economic support amid Western sanctions. The meeting highlights the shared goal of reshaping the global order, which both leaders perceive as dominated by the United States.