MOSCOW: Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he has accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit China in October, coinciding with the Belt and Road Summit. This announcement came following a meeting between President Putin and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow.
During the meeting, President Putin emphasized the growing convergence of Russia and China’s strategic visions, noting their collective efforts to create a vast Eurasian space. He underscored that China’s Belt and Road Initiative plays a pivotal role in this shared vision. The Belt and Road Initiative, a significant program led by Beijing, focuses on expanding its influence in developing regions through extensive infrastructure projects.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Putin has increasingly turned toward China, fostering closer energy trade ties and conducting joint military exercises. China, in turn, has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and has criticized Western sanctions against Moscow. China also accused NATO and the United States of provoking Russian military actions and has consistently expressed its unwavering friendship with Russia, characterized by “no-limits” cooperation.
Cooperation Between Russia and China
Meanwhile, senior Russian security official Nikolai Patrushev called for enhanced policy coordination between Moscow and Beijing to counter what he described as Western efforts to contain both nations. This appeal came as Wang Yi engaged in security talks during his visit to Moscow.
The Kremlin has consistently expressed support for China as the two nations have deepened their relationship, particularly as their relations with Western countries have become more strained.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Russia commenced on Monday and is set to span four days. It followed his discussions with US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser in Malta over the weekend. President Putin’s upcoming visit to China was initially announced in July, signaling the strengthening of ties and cooperation between the two major powers.
