Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese language chief Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday (September 2), praising relations between the 2 nations as being at an “unprecedented degree.” The talks got here on the eve of a large army parade marking the eightieth anniversary of the tip of World Warfare II.
“Our shut communication displays the strategic nature of Russian-Chinese language ties, that are at present at an unprecedented degree,” Putin mentioned. He added, “We had been all the time collectively then, and we stay collectively now.”
Xi praises resilience of partnership
Xi responded to Putin that China-Russia relations have “withstood the check of worldwide adjustments.” He pledged Beijing’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Moscow to “promote the development of a extra simply and cheap international governance system.”
The 2 leaders final met in Might when Xi traveled to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Their frequent exchanges underscore the power of a “no limits partnership” declared in February 2022, shortly earlier than Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
SCO Summit and western criticism
Putin additionally joined Xi on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday. The discussion board introduced collectively China’s closest allies at a time of heightened international tensions.
On Monday, Xi criticised “bullying behaviour” from unnamed nations — a thinly veiled reference to the US — whereas Putin defended Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, blaming the West for upsetting the battle.
North Korea joins
The parade will even function a uncommon diplomatic stage for North Korean chief Kim Jong Un, who is anticipated to fulfill each Putin and Xi throughout his first go to to China since 2019.
Kim is more likely to attend a gala efficiency and maintain aspect talks.
Seoul’s spy company additionally reported that round 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed whereas combating alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
Beijing’s balancing act
Whereas Beijing has by no means condemned Russia’s invasion nor known as for a withdrawal, it maintains that it’s a impartial actor. Western allies stay involved that Beijing has quietly supported Moscow, whereas Pyongyang has overtly declared its backing for Russia.
International consideration on parade
Wednesday’s army parade is anticipated to attract round two dozen world leaders. For Xi, the occasion affords a high-profile alternative to showcase China’s power and its increasing circle of companions, at the same time as international tensions rise.
