9 hours Ago
Key Partnership Highlighted
Following four hours of discussions, both leaders issued a comprehensive joint statement aimed at further advancing their strategic partnership for a new era. Putin described the Russia-China relationship as a stabilizing force on the global stage, while Xi stressed their shared responsibility to counter the rise of unilateralism and hegemonic practices.
During the talks, Xi underscored the importance of both countries working together to steer global governance in a positive direction. His remarks pointed out that Russia and China's partnership is crucial in the face of challenges such as the U.S. exit from international bodies and the ongoing trade tensions between China and the U.S.
Xi's State Visit and Victory Day Celebrations
Xi's visit to Russia coincides with Victory Day celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. The Chinese leader is the chief foreign guest at Putin's annual military parade, which is taking place against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Xi's arrival comes at a time when both Russia and China face shifting relations with the U.S. While Moscow has had a somewhat warmer relationship with Washington under Trump, the U.S. and China are embroiled in a trade war, and Russia remains wary of growing ties between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Strengthening Economic and Technological Cooperation
In their joint statement, Putin and Xi emphasized their countries' growing economic and technological cooperation. They set ambitious goals to advance trade and investment between the two nations by 2030. Russia has become a major importer of Chinese automobiles, and both sides have worked to increase manufacturing collaboration, including the transfer of Chinese industrial expertise to Russia.
The leaders also highlighted the record trade levels between the two countries last year, with China playing a vital role in supporting Russia amid Western sanctions related to its war in Ukraine.
Continued Partnership Despite Global Challenges
Xi praised the leap forward in China-Russia relations, especially given the turbulence in the international landscape. Both leaders signed more than 20 agreements, covering diverse areas such as global stability, biosecurity, digital economy, investment protection, and even film cooperation.
Their growing partnership underscores their commitment to a future where both countries play key roles in shaping global stability and economic growth, despite the challenges they face, including tensions with the West and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ukraine War and Russian Military Parade
The meeting took place just hours after Russia's ceasefire in Ukraine, which coincided with the Victory Day parade. However, tensions remain high as Ukraine claimed that Russia had launched guided bombs over Ukrainian territory, despite the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously warned attendees of the Victory Day events about the ongoing conflict.
Victory Day celebrations in Moscow will also feature leaders from countries like Brazil, Egypt, and Belarus. The parade is a major event for Putin, who uses it to project Russian power on the global stage, especially in light of the current military campaign in Ukraine.
Global Tensions and Victory Day Significance
Victory Day holds special importance in Russia, particularly for Putin, who has described his invasion of Ukraine as a "denazification" effort. The event comes amidst rising global tensions, including disputes between India and Pakistan that could escalate into full-scale conflict.
In addition to the military display, the Victory Day celebrations underscore Russia's efforts to assert its influence in the world despite facing mounting international isolation and military challenges.
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