Xi Jinping Hosts 'Old Friend' Putin as China-Russia Ties Deepen

Beijing, Sep 2 (AP) Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing him as an “old friend” during their series of meetings on Tuesday. This comes at a time when both nations are navigating complex dynamics with the United States, with overlapping and distinct challenges.

The relationship between China and Russia has significantly strengthened, especially post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

While former US President Donald Trump's unconventional approach to the conflict added a unique element, it hasn't fundamentally altered the China-Russia alliance.

Putin reciprocated Xi's warmth, calling him “dear friend” and highlighting the unprecedented level of Moscow-Beijing ties. Reflecting the significance of their relationship, their formal discussions were followed by an informal tea session with senior aides at Zhongnanhai, the center of China's political power.

Following the discussions, China announced a new policy of 30-day visa-free entry for Russian travelers starting later this month.

The talks were held a day after both leaders attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin and a day before a grand military parade in Beijing, commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion.

Though the Soviet Union initially remained neutral in the Asian theater, it assisted China against Japanese forces in the 1930s and declared war on Japan in the final days of World War II, entering Japanese-occupied northeastern China.

"We were always together then; we remain together now,” Putin emphasized.

While China maintains a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, it continues economic exchanges with Russia, offering a vital economic lifeline despite Western sanctions.

Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller announced from Beijing that a memorandum had been signed for a new natural gas pipeline to China, reported by Russia's Interfax news agency. Additionally, agreements were made to increase deliveries through existing routes.

The US and the EU have sanctioned Chinese companies accused of supporting Russia’s military industry.

Li Xin, director of the Institute of European and Asian Studies at Shanghai University, stated, “China and Russia face similar challenges and must collaborate to manage US pressure.”

China is also contending with Trump's tariffs on its imports, although negotiations for a trade deal have commenced after initial tensions.

At the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Xi and Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also held separate discussions with each leader.

US tariffs and recent rhetoric have nudged India closer to China and Russia, even though Modi will not attend the Chinese military parade.

Xi is endeavoring to position China as a champion for nations disadvantaged by the US-dominated global order post-World War II. At the summit and in talks with Putin, Xi suggested building “a more just and equitable global governance system.”

Li noted, “While China and Russia are not currently equipped to overturn the global order, they are advocating for reforms benefitting their interests.”

Putin and Xi also engaged in a trilateral discussion with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. Mongolia, rich in minerals and grasslands, lies between the two powers.

In opening remarks, Putin emphasized their shared interests as neighboring countries. In 2024, Putin visited Mongolia, which notably ignored calls to arrest him on the International Criminal Court’s warrant for alleged war crimes related to the Ukraine invasion. (AP) GSP

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