Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing early on Thursday for discussions with Xi Jinping, aimed at bolstering a strategic partnership between the two nations, viewed as the most formidable geopolitical adversaries of the United States.
China and Russia declared an unwavering partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing, shortly before deploying tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, initiating Europe’s deadliest land conflict since World War Two.
By choosing China for his inaugural foreign visit since commencing his six-year term and extending his tenure until at least 2030, Putin is signalling his priorities and underscoring the depth of his personal bond with Xi.
In an interview with China’s Xinhua news agency, Putin lauded Xi’s role in fostering a strategic partnership grounded in national interests and profound mutual trust.
Putin, aged 71, and Xi, aged 70, will participate in an event commemorating 75 years since the Soviet Union recognised the People’s Republic of China, declared by Mao Zedong in 1949.
Xinhua confirmed his arrival for what China’s state media termed a state visit by an “old friend.”
Amidst the backdrop of the United States portraying China as its primary rival and Russia as its foremost nation-state adversary, Putin and Xi share a worldview characterised by perceiving the West as declining, while China challenges US dominance across various realms.
Putin’s itinerary includes a visit to Harbin, in northeastern China, a city with historical ties to Russia. It remains unclear whether Putin will visit other Asian capitals following his engagements in Beijing.
China has deepened its economic and military collaboration with Russia, particularly as the US and its allies imposed sanctions on both nations, primarily targeting Moscow for its actions in Ukraine.
While the West accuses China of bolstering Russia’s resilience against sanctions, Putin’s arrival underscores China’s preeminent status as Russia’s most influential ally.
Putin’s visit follows a recent trip to Beijing by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, partly aimed at cautioning China against intensifying military support for Russia.
According to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin and Xi will engage in informal discussions over tea on Thursday evening, covering topics including Ukraine, Asia, energy, and trade. The meeting will also be attended by Russia’s newly appointed defence minister, Andrei Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, and other key officials, along with prominent CEOs from Russia.