In a joint press conference with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his appreciation for China’s attempts to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Describing China as a ‘friend and ally,’ Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to keep China informed about the situation in Ukraine. He also highlighted the steady growth in economic ties between the two nations, particularly the increasing use of rubles and yuan in bilateral trade, which has surpassed 90%.
Putin emphasized the harm caused by ‘closed military-political alliances’ in the Asia-Pacific region, a concern shared by both Moscow and Beijing. He stressed the importance of avoiding such alliances, which he deemed counterproductive.
Despite recent reports suggesting a decline in Chinese exports to Russia due to Western threats, Putin remained optimistic about the future of Russia-China economic cooperation. He expressed confidence that Russian and Chinese banks and payment systems would continue to strengthen their ties and collaborations.
China has maintained a neutral stance throughout the Ukraine conflict, refraining from condemning Russia’s actions and positioning itself as a potential mediator. However, Western nations have expressed skepticism about China’s proposed peace plans, fearing that they could legitimize Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory.
Russia’s growing reliance on China for political and economic support has been evident since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Putin’s visit to Beijing underscores the deepening relationship between the two countries, despite Western efforts to create a rift.
