Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced plans for an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This significant development unfolds as the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine continues to persist. In a conference with students in Russia, Putin expressed his anticipation, stating, “Soon enough, we will have some events, and there will be a meeting with the Chinese President [Xi Jinping].”
A Strong Alliance
Putin acknowledged the warm relationship he shares with President Xi, emphasising the importance of their bond. He stated, “He [Xi] calls me his friend, and I am happy to call him my friend because this is a man who personally does a lot for the development of Russian-Chinese relations and cooperation in different areas.”
Global Concerns
The international community watches this meeting with great interest. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Washington and its allies have imposed a series of coordinated sanctions, elevating Russia to the status of the world’s most-sanctioned country, surpassing Iran and North Korea. Of particular concern is China’s alignment with Russia, and the possibility that the world’s second-largest economy may provide assistance to Moscow as the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine extends into its 600th day.
Previous Engagements
The last time Presidents Putin and Xi met was in March at the Kremlin. A month later, Xi held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The forthcoming summit between Putin and Xi carries significant weight, given the evolving dynamics in Eastern Europe and Asia.
Shifting Battlefield
The backdrop to this summit is a changing battlefield in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have made noteworthy advances in southern Zaporizhzhia over the past 72 hours, a development noted by the White House. “Now where they go from here and how they exploit that success, I’ll leave it to them to discuss, but we have seen some notable progress,” commented National Security Council spokesman John Kirby during a conference call. Operational security considerations prevent the release of further details at this time.
In conclusion, the upcoming meeting between Presidents Putin and Xi is a pivotal moment amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The global community keenly observes the evolving situation, and the summit holds the potential to shape the trajectory of diplomatic relations in Eastern Europe and Asia.
