Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jingping today, as the two countries and their leaders look to project themselves internationally as a counterweight to Western allies and the U.S.
Putin’s visit comes amid growing support in China for Russia in its ongoing and escalating dispute with Ukraine. The discussion marks the first time the two leaders have met in person since 2019.
After their bilateral meeting, Moscow and Beijing issued a statement showcasing their agreement on multiple issues, including the opposition against the further expansion of NATO.
The joint statement did not specifically refer to Ukraine, but it accused NATO of adopting and pushing a Cold War ideology. China still has both economic and political relations with Ukraine, so directly mentioning the country would have likely damaged those relations, and a military attack on Ukraine could also be damaging for China.
However, the statement made it clear that China wants to be seen as the partner to Russia, especially against the U.S. bloc.
The statement also said that both countries were “seriously concerned” about the Aukus security pact between the U.S., UK and Australia announced last year, which will see Australia build nuclear-powered submarines in an effort to boost security in the region. It has largely been seen as an effort to counter China.
Russia and China have recently been aligning their foreign policies more and more, both bilaterally as well as within world bodies, such as the United Nations. The two have made sure to stand together in opposition to the bloc led by the United States.
Putin arrived in Beijing today for the opening of the controversial Winter Olympic Games, making him the highest-profile guest at the Olympics this year. The U.S., U.K., and other countries are boycotting the Olympics in protest over China’s human rights abuses, especially its treatment of Muslim minorities and ethnic minorities, including the Uyghur people.
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