Meeting Between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping; A Sign of Growing 'Alliance' Between Russia and China

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, May 17. Although both sides are expected to stand firm on their positions during this meeting, it will mark the beginning of a new presidential term for Putin by demonstrating support from his most powerful political partner. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Putin's visit on Tuesday, May 25, stating that the two countries will discuss bilateral relations and 'international and regional issues of mutual interest.' This two-day meeting will undoubtedly highlight the 'unconditional' partnership of the two countries in opposing U.S. pressure regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine and will symbolize the shared worldview of Beijing and Moscow in countering the order established under Washington's leadership. Diplomats and analysts also expect Putin to pressure Xi Jinping for greater support for Russia's war economy—from machinery and chemicals to assist military industries to purchasing oil and gas at greater discounts. A Russian official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that 'China is Russia's strategic partner... and nothing will change that.' In an interview with the Chinese news agency Xinhua published on Wednesday, May 26, Putin expressed support for China's plan to peacefully resolve the Ukraine crisis, as Beijing truly understands the underlying reasons and geopolitical significance behind it. During this trip, Putin will also meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss economic relations and will visit Harbin, a city in northeast China with historical ties to Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned during his visit to Beijing late last month about deepening military support from China to Russia. Although the 'unconditional' partnership document between Russia and China was signed just days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, China has so far refrained from providing direct military aid to Russia. U.S. officials announced last month that despite internal discussions in the United States, there are no plans to sanction Chinese banks. Alexander Neill, a defense analyst based in Singapore, believes that Russia is certainly eager to receive China's assistance to overcome Ukraine. He stated, 'How this is done without a reaction from Washington will certainly be one of the precise negotiation points during Putin's visit to Beijing.' James Char, a security researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said, 'China needs to have Russia by its side to disrupt the U.S.-led global order in the long-term geopolitical struggle.' He believes that Xi's acceptance of Putin is a form of support for Russia. On Wednesday, some Chinese state media also emphasized the importance of 'leader diplomacy' in strengthening the relations between the two countries. Looking at the broader picture, it seems that the two countries still have some ideological disagreements stemming from the Cold War era, as well as concerns about Russia becoming one of China's 'appendage resources,' particularly in terms of oil and gas supply.