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| Putin says relations between the two countries have reached ‘new frontiers’ and confirmed a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. |
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, underscoring the deepening partnership between the two countries. The meeting follows Wang's tour of several European countries and comes amid rising international tensions over Russia's conflict with Ukraine and China's strained ties with the United States.
Wang's visit to Moscow comes almost a year after Putin ordered troops into neighbouring Ukraine, sparking a conflict that has left thousands dead and forced millions to flee. The war has widened divisions between Russia and the world's liberal democracies, most notably in the West, which have imposed sanctions on Moscow.
However, Putin praised the importance of the two countries' cooperation, saying ties between the two had reached "new frontiers." He confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping might soon travel to Moscow for a summit and noted that the cooperation between the two countries was particularly important for stabilizing the international situation.
Wang emphasized that Moscow and Beijing both support "multipolarity and democratization of international relations," indicating their shared goal of countering the perceived US dominance in global affairs. He also highlighted that Chinese-Russian relations are not directed against any third countries and cannot be subject to pressure from any third countries.
Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said that ties between the two countries have continued to develop dynamically, and despite high turbulence in the global arena, they have shown readiness to speak in defense of each other's interests.
While China has emphasized its close ties with Moscow, some analysts say it is also wary of escalating tensions with the West, especially as it seeks to boost its economy after the prolonged lockdowns of its now-defunct zero-COVID policy. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began on February 24 last year and has become the biggest land conflict in Europe since World War Two.
At a meeting on Wednesday of the 193-member UN General Assembly to mark the first anniversary of the war, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Russia's invasion as a violation of the UN Charter and international law. The General Assembly is set to vote later on Thursday on a resolution put forward by Ukraine and supporters, stressing "the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace" in line with the UN Charter.
Wang Yi Meets Putin in Kremlin as China-Russia Ties Deepen
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Wednesday to discuss the importance of cooperation between their two countries. The meeting was a clear indication of the strengthening relationship between China and Russia, which has become increasingly significant given recent international tensions.
During the meeting, Wang and Putin were photographed exchanging a firm handshake and sitting across the table from each other. They discussed a variety of topics related to global stability and the need for a multipolar world order.
Wang's visit to Moscow came nearly a year after Putin ordered troops into neighboring Ukraine, starting a conflict that has left thousands dead and millions displaced. Despite the ongoing conflict and Russia's strained relations with many Western democracies, China has continued to support Russia and deepen ties between the two countries.
In fact, Putin noted that ties between China and Russia had reached "new frontiers" and confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping may soon travel to Moscow for a summit. The two leaders have met dozens of times since Xi became Chinese president.
The relationship between China and Russia is not directed against any third country, according to Wang. Instead, China and Russia both support "multipolarity and democratisation of international relations," as a means of countering perceived US dominance in global affairs.
While some analysts say that China is wary of escalating tensions with the West, given its need to boost its economy after the prolonged lockdowns of its now-defunct zero-COVID policy, China has nevertheless emphasized its close ties with Moscow. Wang's visit to Russia follows a tour of several European countries, and underscores China's focus on deepening ties with Russia.
Russia has also supported China, particularly in its disputes with the US over Taiwan and other issues, such as the northwestern Xinjiang region, where the United Nations has found that crimes against humanity may have been committed. Despite these tensions with the West, however, China remains cautious about the limits of its cooperation with Russia and is careful not to undermine its own political priorities and longer-term economic interests.
The war in Ukraine, which began last year, has become the biggest land conflict in Europe since World War Two. At a meeting of the 193-member UN General Assembly on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Russia's invasion as a violation of the UN Charter and international law. The General Assembly is set to vote later on Thursday on a resolution put forward by Ukraine and its supporters, calling for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter.
Despite international pressure to resolve the conflict, Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Neben Zya, reiterated that Russia had been left with "no other option" but to ensure "the safety and security of our country, using military means."
In conclusion, the meeting between Wang Yi and Putin in Moscow highlights the deepening ties between China and Russia, which are becoming increasingly important amid global tensions. While the war in Ukraine continues to create divisions between Russia and the West, China remains steadfast in its support for Russia, and the two countries continue to seek ways to strengthen their relationship and promote global stability.
