Vladimir Putin is in China for an official visit, the second in less than seven months. A rapprochement that worries Western countries.
When he got off the plane in Beijing, Vladimir Putin was greeted by Chinese officials, before entering his limousine, heading to the presidential palace, where Xi Jinping was waiting for him.
This is the Russian president’s second visit to China in just over six months. A sign that Moscow and Beijing are determined to strengthen their cooperation. A rapprochement that worries the United States and the European Union.
“The meeting between Putin and Xi in Beijing is really important because it brings together the two most important and powerful partners in the Eurasian region in a somewhat forced marriage, but one that has an anti- very clear western“, explains Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
Trade between these two powers reached 222 billion euros in 2023. But to avoid American sanctions, Chinese banks have recently reduced their transactions with their Russian clients.
Xi Jinping, who returned from a European tour, nevertheless defended his links with Moscow.