In mid-October this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This visit once again emphasized the solidarity between the parties.[1] The two countries have formed an informal alliance against the United States (US) and other Western countries. However, Beijing-Moscow relations have been complicated by tensions between Israel and Palestine. China has tried to balance both its ties with Israel and its economic relations with Iran and Syria, with strong Russian support. [2]
Putin’s visit is also seen as a support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Putin’s participation in the event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative is noteworthy.
Asked about his visit to China, Putin said that it would include talks on the Belt and Road Initiative and that Moscow supports the economic integration of former Soviet countries, mostly in Central Asia. Putin said they would also discuss the growing economic and financial ties in bilateral relations. [3]
Beijing and Moscow have financial links in the energy, high-tech and financial industries. China has also become an important export market for Moscow.
China and the former Soviet Union competed over left-leaning states during the Cold War. But they have now forged partnerships in the economic, military and diplomatic spheres. Just weeks before Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and the two sides signed an agreement committing to an “unlimited” relationship. China’s efforts to present itself as a neutral peace broker in Russia’s war against Ukraine have been widely rejected by the international community. [4]
Recall that Xi Jinping visited Moscow in March 2023. China condemned international sanctions against Russia, but did not directly acknowledge an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Putin in connection with the alleged abduction of thousands of children from Ukraine.
Putin’s visit to China and its implications for bilateral relations, global politics and regional dynamics are noteworthy. The purpose of Putin’s visit to China is to strengthen China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine crisis and to further consolidate China-Russia relations. China and Russia have formed an informal alliance by uniting in opposition to the US and other Western Bloc countries. This alliance stands out as a strategic partnership with significant effects on global balances.
The Belt and Road Initiative is a critical policy area that aims to increase China’s global influence and strengthen its influence around the world through infrastructure projects. Putin has praised this initiative and shared his views on how Russia can cooperate with these projects. This is an important factor for deepening economic and financial ties between Russia and China and pursuing common interests.
The economic dimension of relations between China and Russia was also emphasized. Financial ties in the energy, high-tech and financial industries form the basis of economic relations between the two countries.
In assessments of military cooperation between China and Russia, it was stated that a full-fledged military alliance is not expected to be formed, but defense cooperation will increase. This military cooperation between the two countries may increase, especially in areas such as regional power projection and planning to work together on missile defense systems.
In conclusion, it is important to note that China and Russia, although historically rivals, are now forming partnerships and do not demand security guarantees from each other. This indicates that the two countries are defending their strategic autonomy and cooperation.
[1] “Putin’s Visit to Beijing Underscores China’s Economic and Diplomatic Support for Russia”, Associated PRess News, https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-putin-xi-israel-139930a92289b7d34ce840bdfe531259, (Erişim Tarihi: 16.10.2023).
[2] “Putin’s Visit to Beijing Underscores China’s Economic and Diplomatic Support for Russia”, Times Daily, https://www.timesdaily.com/business/putins-visit-to-beijing-underscores-china-s-economic-and-diplomatic-support-for-russia/article_6ee8d6c9-e1b5-51ab-9c13-6750570a4bff.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 16.10.2023).
[3] “Putin’s Visit to Beijing Underscores China’s Economic and Diplomatic Support for Russia”, Associated PRess News, https://apnews.com/article/china-russia-putin-xi-israel-139930a92289b7d34ce840bdfe531259, (Erişim Tarihi: 16.10.2023).
[4] Same place.
