Moscow and Beijing reaffirm their close ties as Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday reaffirmed their “limitless” partnership, which has strengthened as the two countries face growing tensions with the West. Both have criticized US military alliances in Asia and the Pacific region.
At their summit in Beijing, Mr Putin thanked Mr Xi for China’s proposals to end the war in Ukraine.
These proposals were rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies, saying they largely toed the Kremlin line.
Mr. Putin’s two-day state visit to one of his key allies and trading partners comes as Russian forces are launching an offensive in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine. Ukraine, in the most significant border incursion since the start of the large-scale invasion, on February 24, 2022.
Neutral position
China claims to take a neutral stance in the conflict, but it has supported the Kremlin’s claims that Russia was provoked by the West to attack Ukraine, and it continues to supply key components Moscow needs for the arms production.
China, which has not criticized the invasion, has proposed a broadly worded peace plan in 2023, calling for a ceasefire and direct talks between Moscow and kyiv. This plan was rejected by Ukraine and the West because it did not call on Russia to leave occupied parts of Ukraine.
The visit, largely symbolic and ceremonial, emphasized the partnership between two countries facing challenges in their relations with the United States and Europe.
“Both sides want to show that despite what is happening in the world and the pressure they are under from the United States, they are not ready to turn their backs on each other.” said Hoo Tiang Boon, who studies Chinese foreign policy at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
While Putin and Xi have said they seek to end the war, they have not made any new proposals in their public statements.
“China hopes that Europe will soon return to peace and stability and continue to play a constructive role in this regard.Xi said in a prepared speech to the media at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
His remarks echo what China said when it offered a sweeping plan for peace.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Putin was welcomed to Tiananmen Square with great military pomp and cannon fire.
