Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on development of Russia's military industrial complex in Moscow on May 15, a day before his arrival in Beijing.
| Gavriil Grigorov/Pool/Sputnik/Reuters/File |
Xi Jinping greeted Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Thursday with a grand reception, featuring a military band and a ceremonial gun salute outside the Great Hall of the People. This marked the beginning of a two-day state visit aimed at emphasizing the close bond between the leaders as Russian forces continue their advance in Ukraine.
Putin's visit, his first symbolic trip abroad since starting a new presidential term last week, underscores Xi's steadfast support for him and signals the deepening ties between their nations in the face of tensions with the West.
The red-carpet treatment for Putin in Beijing comes on the heels of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to suspend all upcoming international visits, as Ukrainian forces defend against a sudden Russian assault in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
The meeting in Beijing, the fourth face-to-face encounter between Putin and Xi since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, occurs amid growing global concerns about the war's trajectory and delays in aid to Ukraine. Despite Western sanctions, Russia's economy and defense sector appear resilient.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Kyiv to reaffirm the Biden administration's support for Ukraine, pledging $2 billion in military aid and expediting delivery of ammunition and weapons to the front lines. Xi's reception of Putin occurs against the backdrop of pressure from both the US and Europe to ensure that China's increased exports to Russia during the conflict do not bolster the Kremlin's military efforts.
In recent weeks, White House officials have raised concerns with Beijing about significant support provided by China to Russia's defense industry, including machine tools, drones, turbojet engines, and microelectronics. China has rebuffed these allegations, asserting that its trade with Russia is normal and rejecting what it sees as baseless accusations from the US.
The war in Ukraine, as well as the conflict in Gaza, is expected to feature in Xi and Putin’s meetings in Beijing Thursday, alongside discussions on their expanding trade, security and energy ties.
Ahead of the trip, Putin hailed the “unprecedented level of strategic partnership” between the countries in an interview with Chinese state media Xinhua.
He said the leaders aimed to “strengthen foreign policy coordination” and deepen cooperation in “industry and high-tech, outer space and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and other innovative sectors.”
He also praised China’s “approaches to resolving the crisis in Ukraine.” Beijing has never condemned Russia’s invasion, rather it claims neutrality in the conflict. Ahead of an expected peace conference in Switzerland last month, Xi has called for peace talks that take both sides’ positions into accoun
The two leaders – who declared a “no limits” partnership weeks before the February 2022 invasion and are known for their personal chemistry – have continued to strengthen their countries’ diplomatic, trade and security ties since the start of the war. Xi also visited Moscow in 2023 for his first international visit after entering his new term as China’s president.
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