China's President Xi And Russia's President Putin Meet In Moscow - Bbc News

The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow comes at a time when Russia is facing intense international pressure due to its invasion of Ukraine. Despite the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes against Russian President Vladimir Putin, China is demonstrating unwavering support for its neighbor.

What is interesting about this visit is that it shows China's determination to expand its cooperation and deepen its partnership with Russia. Although China's economy is ten times the size of Russia's, and Russia's heavy dependence on Chinese markets for its commodities, it is clear that China sees value in this partnership beyond economic considerations.

The No Limits Partnership: China Takes the Lead

China and Russia have already proclaimed a "No Limits" partnership, but it is important to note that China is the senior partner in this relationship. While Russia may want China to provide lethal aid in its conflict with Ukraine, China has been hesitant to do so to avoid potential secondary sanctions against Chinese companies.

China's interest in this partnership is not driven by love or loyalty towards Putin, but rather by its own strategic interests. This raises the question of whether China can actually help end the war in Ukraine. China has presented a 12-point plan calling for dialogue on the conflict, but it has been met with skepticism in the West. It seems that China does not believe Ukraine and Russia are currently ready to negotiate an end to the war.

The Media Portrayal of the Visit

Chinese state media has been emphasizing the friendship and peace aspect of President Xi's visit to Moscow. Both Chinese and Russian newspapers have published articles by their respective leaders, with Putin welcoming China's efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. However, these talks need to be genuine and reflect the current geopolitical realities.

This raises the question of what the current geopolitical realities actually mean. It could imply that Russia wants to keep the territories it has already claimed from Ukraine as part of a peace deal, a position that Canada has already opposed. The fact that both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have mentioned the Ukraine war in their articles suggests that it will be a prominent topic of discussion during their talks.

Xi Jinping's Message to Putin: Support and Symbolic Backing

It is unclear what Xi Jinping's exact message to Vladimir Putin will be regarding the war in Ukraine. One possibility is that he may suggest Russia pull back, while another possibility is that he may offer even more military support. China's support is crucial for Russia, as it supplies much-needed semiconductors and is open to expanding trade relations.

China's visit is seen as an opportunity to shore up Putin's position and provide both practical and symbolic support. China does not want to see the conflict escalate, as it could lead to a wider European war or the use of nuclear weapons. Additionally, China does not want to see Russia pushed out of Ukraine, as it could result in instability and potentially fragment the country.

Overall, China's interest lies in maintaining stability and avoiding potential chaos in the region. By supporting Putin, China is also sending a message to the West that it stands against Western action. As Xi Jinping meets with Putin, it is clear that China's foreign policy maneuvering space is directly influenced by the actions and fate of its neighbor.

In conclusion, President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow is a demonstration of China's unwavering support for Russia amid international pressure. While China is the senior partner in the China-Russia partnership, it is clear that the country sees strategic value in maintaining a strong relationship with Russia. The war in Ukraine will likely be a central topic of discussion during President Xi's visit. China's approach is to seek a frozen conflict, as it sees the alternatives of escalation or a defeated Russia as far worse outcomes. By supporting Putin and maintaining stability, China aims to preserve its own strategic interests and avoid potential chaos in the region.