Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit. Notably, it was his first visit to any foreign country after he got re-elected. It highlights the increasingly close partnership between Moscow and Beijing, despite mounting tensions with the U.S. and NATO. The visit comes as Russia’s forces continue their offensive in northeast Ukraine.
Putin’s Grand Welcome in China
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a grand welcome in Beijing on his first foreign trip of his fifth term. It was interesting to see Xi Jinping, Chinese President, greet Putin in a lavish ceremony at the square outside the Great Hall of the People. Xi also led Putin on a walk around the square, publicizing their strong bond. Following the walk, the two leaders held a meeting in the Great Hall, discussing critical issues.
The warm gathering between the two allies will surely upset Washington, who had sent U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China last month in an attempt to convince Beijing to reduce its ties with Moscow.
In an interview to Xinhua news agency, when asked about Ukraine, Putin said, “We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours. They must also involve a substantive discussion on global stability and security guarantees for Russia’s opponents and, naturally, for Russia itself”.
“Needless to say, these must be reliable guarantees. That is where the main problem is, since we are dealing with states whose ruling circles seek to substitute the world order based on international law with an “order based on certain rules,” which they keep talking about but which no one has ever seen, no one has agreed to, and which, apparently, tend to change depending on the current political situation and interests of those who invent these rules,” he said.
It is now clear to all that China and Russia, once Communist rivals, now stand united against the U.S.-led democratic order.
China Russia: Increasing Trade and Partnership
China and Russia have strengthened their close economic ties, even as geopolitical tensions escalate due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The world’s second-largest economy continues to buy crucial crude oil and natural gas from its northern neighbor, Russia. On the other hand, Russia relies on China as its primary source of high-tech imports to sustain its military capabilities.
Trade between China and Russia reached an impressive $240 billion in 2023, according to official Chinese data. This huge figure reflects the growing economic partnership between the two nations. Despite mounting pressure due to the European Union and United States’ sanctions, China continues to support Russia.
The upcoming year is significant for the collaboration between Russia and China as Russia will be leading BRICS while China will be taking over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization later this year. Both countries have pledged to support each other’s chairmanship, which is an indicator of their growing partnership in major spheres.
Celebrating “75 years of Diplomatic ties”
On Thursday in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin also participated in the opening event of the China-Russia Years of Culture. Both countries had earlier agreed to dedicate the years- 2024 and 2025 to this theme.
Both attended a special concert too, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.
Putin’s selection of China as his initial destination for an overseas visit after he got re-elected for another six-year term till 2030, highlights the importance he attaches to his relationship with Xi and his global strategic objectives.
India’s Interests & Putin Xi meeting
As China Russia become closer, it is important for India to maintain a careful balance between its long-standing friend (Russia) and its neighboring country (China). Russia remains a significant partner for India in defense and economic domains. China, too, has recently overtaken the US as India’s largest trading partner, with a total two-way commerce of $118.4 billion. At the same time the ongoing border disputes with China in the Himalayan region flare up from time to time. Should India find itself in conflict with China, Russia’s stance could be critical. Russia has historically maintained a policy of strategic autonomy in its foreign relations, often balancing its engagements with various global powers, including the United States, China, and India.
In the context of an India-China conflict, Russia may seek to play a mediating role or advocate for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation. Given its diplomatic channels and historical ties with both India and China, Russia could potentially act as a bridge for dialogue and negotiations.However, it is important to note that Russia’s stance in any India-China conflict would be shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including its own strategic interests, regional dynamics, and global alliances.
The developing friendship between these two powerful nations will greatly influence the decisions India makes about its foreign policies in the future.
