Vladimir Putin’s Visit to Beijing to Strengthen Russia-China Alliance
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for a crucial meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, aiming to further solidify the alliance between the two nations.
Official Welcome by Chinese Commerce Minister
On Tuesday, Putin landed in the Chinese capital, where he received a warm welcome from Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Keynote Speaker at the Belt and Road Forum
During his visit, Putin is scheduled to address the third Belt and Road forum, a strategic initiative aimed at constructing global infrastructure and energy networks that will connect Asia with Africa and Europe.
Russia’s Support for Belt and Road Initiative
Putin has previously expressed support for the Belt and Road initiative, emphasizing that it provides a platform for international cooperation without imposing any conditions on participating countries.
The ‘No-Limits’ Partnership
Putin and Xi Jinping had declared a “no-limits” partnership during the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022, just days before Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.
They have maintained a close friendship, referring to each other as “dear friends.”
China’s Stance on the Alliance
Despite criticism from the West regarding their alliance during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, China asserts that its ties with Russia are in line with international norms and emphasizes its sovereign right to collaborate with any country of its choice.
Putin’s International Isolation
Putin has faced increasing isolation on the global stage since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him in March.
He is accused of illegally deporting children from Ukraine.
Restrictions on the Arrest Warrant
The ICC arrest warrant obliges the 123 member states to detain Putin and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he enters their territory.
However, it’s worth noting that China is not a member of the ICC, and neither is Kyrgyzstan, the only other country Putin has visited this year.
Deepening Russia-China Energy Cooperation
Since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict, Russia has strengthened its energy ties with China, reflecting their growing economic cooperation.
To support Russia amid Western sanctions, Beijing has engaged in deals to transport more Russian natural gas to the northeastern province of Heilongjiang.
Robust Energy Trade
Russia currently exports around two million barrels of oil daily to China, which constitutes more than a third of its total crude oil exports.
This significant energy trade underscores the deepening economic partnership between the two nations.
World News