MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday and Tuesday in carefully anticipated talks.
Putin-Xi summit takeaways:
Putin and Xi declared a “new era” in their ties during their Kremlin meetings. At a state dinner after the discussions, Putin claimed bilateral cooperation “has truly unlimited possibilities and prospects”. Toasted the “prosperity” of Russian and Chinese people.
The summit came days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin for the “unlawful deportation” of Ukrainian minors.
China researcher Alexander Gabuev said the Hague court’s arrest warrant “only increases” Beijing’s influence over Russia.
Ukraine war
Putin hailed China’s peace plan for Ukraine. Said it might be the cornerstone of a future settlement if Kyiv and the West are ready. Xi appealed for dialogue. “However, so far we have not seen such readiness on their part,” the Russian leader remarked.
“respect the legitimate concerns of all countries.” was also declared by the two presidents.
The declaration highlighted preventing the Ukraine crisis from escalating.
“The parties call for an end to all steps that contribute to the escalation of tension and prolongation of hostilities, to avoid a further deterioration of the crisis,” it stated.
Military-security cooperation
Putin and Xi’s communiqué expressed alarm over NATO’s expansion in Asia and accused Washington of “undermining” global security.
“The parties call on the United States to stop undermining international and regional security. Global strategic stability in order to secure its unilateral military advantage,” the two countries declared.
During the talks, Xi told reporters that Moscow and Beijing will pursue a multipolar world and food and energy security as UN Security Council permanent members.
“the modern world order and the fate of mankind,” depend on Chinese-Russian relations, said Xi.
Moscow and China agreed to increase military cooperation and joint drills.
Energy collaboration
Putin said Moscow could supply Beijing’s “growing demand” for energy resources.
Afterward, He stated the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which would carry Russian natural gas to China via Mongolia, was agreed upon.
While, Gazprom reported a record daily petrol supply to China through the Power of Siberia pipeline on Tuesday.
Moreover, Putin called boosting economic relations with the West a “priority” for Russia after multiple rounds of unprecedented Western sanctions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The two leaders signed a 2030 declaration on major economic cooperation areas. Putin emphasised agricultural cooperation and offered to increase meat and grain exports to China.
He added that the two countries might lead in IT and AI by working together.
Putin also supported trade with Asia, Africa, and Latin America using the Chinese yuan.
“President Putin and I agreed to step up comprehensive planning at the highest level, increase trade in energy and resources,” said Xi.
Analysts say the relationship will be limited despite Russia’s interest.
Macro-Advisory predicted that President Xi will not align China with Russia at the expense of its relationship with the West.
