Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China on 16 May for the first foreign visit of his new term.
The visit highlights the crucial nature of the relationship amid mounting US pressure on China to cut support aiding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Putin will hold talks with Xi, accompanied by key officials. The visit is expected to focus on addressing US warnings to China regarding trade relations with Russia. Putin will also attend the eighth Russian-Chinese Expo in Harbin.
Despite tensions, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who have met over 40 times since 2012, maintain a close relationship. Russia depends on China for energy markets and wartime supplies, though Beijing remains cautious of Putin’s nuclear posturing.
Remarks from Putin
Commenting on his upcoming visit, Putin told China’s Xinhua News Agency that Russia-China ties are “free from the influence of either ideology or political trends.”
“I am talking about our joint efforts to strengthen the sovereignty, protect the territorial integrity and security of our countries.” The two countries are “enhancing equal, mutually beneficial economic and humanitarian cooperation, and strengthen foreign policy coordination in the interests of building a just multipolar world order,” he added.
On Ukraine
Putin commended China’s approach to resolving the Ukraine crisis, saying that Beijing “is well aware of its root causes and global geopolitical significance, which is reflected in its 12‑point plan.”
Putin commended the document's ideas and proposals, stating that they reflect the sincere willingness of our Chinese allies to contribute to stabilizing the situation. “Beijing proposes practicable and constructive steps to achieve peace by refraining from pursuing vested interests and constant escalation of tensions, minimising the negative impact of the conflict on the global economy and the stability of global value chains,” the leader opined.
"The measures are based on the notion of moving away from a 'Cold War mentality' and prioritising unified security, along with full respect for international law and the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnectedness. Thus, they have the potential to establish a foundation for a political and diplomatic initiative that addresses Russia's security interests and fosters a lasting and sustainable peace," he emphasised
Putin also asserted that “unfortunately, neither Ukraine nor its Western patrons support these initiatives. They are not ready to engage in an equal, honest and open dialogue based on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests.”
He slammed the West for “stubbornly working to punish Russia, isolate and weaken it" by supplying Kyiv with money and arms. “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 Russia’s. They must also involve a substantive discussion on global stability and [reliable] security guarantees for Russia’s opponents and, naturally, for Russia itself,” he concluded.
On the West
Commenting on bloc politics, Putin remarked that Western elites, led by the US, are unwilling to acknowledge cultural diversity and reject longstanding traditional values. “Seeking to retain their global dominance, they have usurped the right to tell other nations whom they may, or must not, make friends and cooperate with, and to deny them the right to choose their own development models. They disregard other countries' sovereign interests. They seek to ensure their well‑being at the expense of other states, just like in the old days, and resort to neo-colonial methods to that end.”
Russia has never refused to negotiate on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with China’s Xinhua news agency.
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) May 15, 2024
“However, instead of signing a peace agreement, the Ukrainian side unexpectedly announced the termination of negotiations. As Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/cqy9Cnk6tN
“Needless to say, neither Russia nor its partners are happy with this state of affairs. We have actively contributed to launching multilateral associations and mechanisms that are independent of the West and are successfully operating. In their work they build on the principles of equality, justice, transparency, respect and consideration of each other's interests,” Putin underscored.