In a significant diplomatic engagement, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping has reached an “unprecedented level.” This statement came during their meeting in Beijing, which coincided with the eve of a grand military parade.
In a recent statement, Putin referred to Xi as a close friend, while Chinese state media characterised the bilateral relations as exemplary. Russia plans to boost its gas supplies to China, as Beijing announces a year-long trial of visa-free travel for Russian citizens.
Xi is set to host North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, a move that signals a united front with both parties involved in the Ukraine conflict.
On Wednesday, Xi is set to preside over China’s most significant military parade to date, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s formal surrender at the conclusion of World War II.
In May, Xi travelled to Moscow to participate in Russia’s commemorations honouring the defeat of the Nazis.
Russia and North Korea are increasingly dependent on China to strengthen their economies. The upcoming meetings will provide the Chinese leader an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of his power and influence, particularly as Donald Trump seeks to negotiate a deal with Putin aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, a significant display of military might is set to unfold in the Chinese capital, with all three leaders standing united as tens of thousands of troops march in formation.
During the discussions held in the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, Putin refrained from directly addressing his military actions in Ukraine, instead stating that he had engaged in conversations about matters of mutual interest with his Chinese counterpart.
In a recent video shared on the Kremlin’s official Telegram messaging app, Putin expressed his satisfaction in reconnecting with Chinese leaders. “Dear friend, both I and the entire Russian delegation are pleased to meet once again with our Chinese friends and colleagues,” he stated to Xi.
“He emphasized that the ongoing dialogue underscores the strategic significance of Russia-China relations, currently at an unparalleled peak.”
“We were united in the past, and we continue to stand together in the present.”
During a recent conversation, Xi expressed to Putin that the relationship between China and Russia has proven resilient amid shifting international dynamics. He emphasised Beijing’s readiness to collaborate with Moscow in advancing the establishment of a more equitable and rational global governance framework.
This week’s meetings occur as Xi aims to showcase Beijing’s influence globally, positioning the nation not only as the second-largest economy but also as a significant player in diplomacy.
Xi has highlighted China’s position as a reliable trading partner, contrasting with the disruptions caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have altered economic relationships globally.
As efforts to secure a deal with the Russian leader aimed at ending the war in Ukraine remain unsuccessful for Trump, Xi’s reception of Putin in Beijing highlights the strength of their relationship.
The duo has previously described the relationship between their nations as a “friendship with no limits.”
In the wake of Western sanctions imposed due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia is optimistic that its gas exports to China and other nations will compensate for the revenue it has lost.
On Tuesday, Russian news agencies announced that the total volume of pipeline gas supplies from Russia to China is expected to reach 106 billion cubic meters once all projects are commissioned. The current figures remain significantly lower than the volumes Russia exported to the European Union before the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
China’s foreign ministry has declared an extension of visa-free travel for Russian passport holders, implementing this trial period for one year starting from September 15.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday, Xi and Putin aimed at Western governments. Putin, in particular, stood by Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, attributing the onset of the conflict to Western provocations.
In a seemingly indirect allusion to the United States, Xi called on members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to “oppose Cold War thinking, bloc confrontation and bullying behaviour.”
During the summit, which included participation from global leaders representing India, Iran, and Pakistan, Putin asserted that the gathering had established the groundwork for a new system intended to supplant what he described as “outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models.”
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is set to attend a significant military parade on Wednesday. His arrival follows a notable crossing into China aboard his special train early on Tuesday.
This marks Kim’s inaugural participation in a multilateral international meeting. In a significant development, a North Korean leader is set to attend a Chinese military parade for the first time in decades. The last occurrence of such an event dates back to 1959, when Kim Il-Sung, the founder of North Korea and grandfather of the current leader, made an appearance.
The absence of most Western leaders at the upcoming parade is anticipated, a reflection of their stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has led to the imposition of sanctions on Putin’s regime.
Beijing has refrained from condemning Putin’s military actions. The United States and its allies have levelled accusations against Beijing, claiming it is supporting Russia’s military operations by providing dual-use materials and purchasing Russian oil, a charge that China firmly rejects.
Kim has provided both arms and military personnel to support the Russian invasion.
