Chinese leader Xi Jinping reaffirmed strong ties with Russia during a recent call with President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that their partnership remains firm despite the U.S. pivot towards Moscow. Both leaders highlighted the importance of cooperative foreign policy amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the Ukraine conflict, with benefits for eventual peace talks.
In a recent phone conversation, Chinese leader Xi Jinping affirmed the strength of relations between China and Russia in response to a shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. As Ukraine commemorated the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, Xi emphasized that China and Russia are indelibly connected and must remain so despite external influences from Washington. Xi stated, “History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe,” underscoring the enduring nature of their ties. He further added that the partnership would continue unaffected by any third party events.
The Kremlin characterized the call as “warm and friendly,” focusing on the significance of their cooperative foreign policy, which it considers a stabilizing force in global affairs. Both leaders discussed recent diplomatic engagements between Russia and the United States, with Xi expressing support for efforts aimed at alleviating the crisis in Ukraine. Xi stated, “China is pleased to see Russia and other parties concerned making positive efforts to resolve the crisis,” which indicates a desire for constructive dialogue.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, China has positioned itself as a crucial ally for Russia, evidently in opposition to NATO’s stance. Despite declaring neutrality, China has bolstered Russia’s defense capabilities through trade. The Xi-Putin partnership, fortified during Trump’s presidency, reflects their collective stance against Western influences, yet questions remain on whether the U.S. could create rifts among them. Following a meeting between U.S. and Russian officials, discussions included potential areas for geopolitical cooperation, raising concerns that U.S. engagement might sideline Beijing and European interests.
Chinese representatives have expressed apprehensions regarding the U.S.-Russia dialogue, emphasizing that all relevant stakeholders must partake in any peace discussions. Notably, during a security conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the importance of collective participation in peace talks, although subsequent statements during a G20 meeting suggested a pivot toward supporting U.S.-Russia initiatives. Wang remarked, “A window for peace is opening” in the ongoing conflict, illustrating China’s evolving diplomatic stance.
The continuing conflict, initiated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has resulted in considerable loss of life and mass displacement. The devastation across Ukrainian territories has brought extensive allegations of war crimes against Russian forces and has been a central topic of international scrutiny. This evolving dynamic within Russian and Chinese diplomacy could significantly influence geopolitical stability moving forward.
In summary, the recent conversation between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin highlights the solidified partnership between China and Russia in the face of changing U.S. foreign policy. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintain strong bilateral relations, emphasizing their strategic alignment amidst potential U.S. initiatives aimed at fostering peace in Ukraine. As global diplomatic landscapes shift, the collaboration between these two nations remains pivotal.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
