Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, in a high-profile show of unity between the two leaders as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine remain deadlocked.
The summit, held at the Kremlin, comes amid growing frustration among Western nations over the lack of progress in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Xi’s visit is being closely watched globally, as it signals Beijing’s intent to maintain and possibly deepen its strategic partnership with Moscow despite ongoing international tensions.
According to Kremlin sources, the leaders discussed a broad range of issues, including economic cooperation, energy partnerships, and regional security. However, the Ukraine conflict remained a focal point of the talks. While China has positioned itself as a potential mediator, its 12-point peace plan has received a lukewarm response from Kyiv and its allies, who view Beijing as too close to Moscow to act as a neutral party.
“China advocates for dialogue and peaceful resolution,” Xi stated, reiterating Beijing’s official stance. Putin, for his part, thanked China for what he called its “balanced” approach to the conflict.
The visit underscores a growing geopolitical alignment between the two nations, both of whom face increasing pressure from the West Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine, and China for its assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific.
While no breakthrough was announced, the meeting serves to reinforce the image of a united front against Western influence and sanctions.
source: asia.nikkei.com