Beijing’s Host to Putin Highlights Economic and Diplomatic Backing for Russia Amid Ukrainian Conflict

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is slated to convene with Chinese leadership in Beijing in a forthcoming visit that signals China’s economic and diplomatic reinforcement for Russia during its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

The informal alliance between Russia and China stands as a counterweight to the United States and other democracies, a relationship further complicated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. China has been navigating its economic partnerships with Israel alongside its relations with Iran and Syria, countries that enjoy strong Russian backing.

Furthermore, Putin’s journey to China serves to endorse the Belt and Road Initiative, a cornerstone policy of Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at expanding infrastructure and boosting China’s international sway.

Putin is expected to be one of the most high-profile attendees at an event celebrating a decade since the Belt and Road Initiative was unveiled by Xi. The initiative has led to burdensome debts for countries such as Zambia and Sri Lanka, who entered into contracts with Chinese corporations for public works projects that were otherwise financially out of reach.

Although not yet officially confirmed, indications from Chinese officials suggest that Putin will arrive late on Monday.

When queried by journalists on Friday regarding the visit, Putin disclosed that discussions would cover Belt and Road projects, which he stated could be integrated with initiatives by an economic coalition of former Soviet states primarily situated in Central Asia to “attain mutual developmental objectives.” Putin minimized concerns about China’s increasing economic leverage in a region that Russia has historically viewed as within its sphere of influence, stating that there are “no contradictions, but rather a certain synergy” in the relationship.

On economic and financial relations between Russia and China, Putin mentioned, “One focal point is the financial relationship and the further encouragement of transactions in domestic currencies. The rate of growth in this area is accelerating, and there are promising opportunities in sectors such as high-technology and energy.”

Alexander Gabuev, Director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, commented that in the eyes of China, “Russia is a stable, friendly neighbor and a source of inexpensive raw materials, as well as a backer of Chinese global initiatives and a supplier of military technologies, some of which China does not possess.”

Gabuev further noted, “For Russia, China serves as an economic lifeline amid its severe actions against Ukraine.” He added that China is “the primary marketplace for Russian goods, a source of currency and payment infrastructure for Russia’s global trade—not just with China but also with numerous other nations—and a significant supplier of advanced technological imports, some of which are dual-use goods contributing to Russia’s military capabilities.”

While Gabuev expressed skepticism that the two countries would enter into a full-fledged military alliance, he did anticipate that their defense collaboration would expand. “I don’t foresee a military alliance between Russia and China. Both nations are sufficiently secure on their own and gain from cooperation, but neither needs a security commitment from the other,” he remarked.

Relations between China and the erstwhile Soviet Union have evolved from being Cold War antagonists to partners in the economic, military, and diplomatic arenas. Weeks prior to Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine this past February, Putin met with Xi in Beijing and both parties committed to a “no-limits” relationship. China’s efforts to position itself as an impartial mediator in Russia’s campaign in Ukraine have been overwhelmingly discredited by the international community.

Xi undertook a trip to Moscow in March amidst a series of interactions between the two countries. China has vocally opposed international sanctions levied against Russia but has refrained from commenting on the International Criminal Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Putin on allegations of involvement in the kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Russia-China Diplomatic Relations

More about Russia-China Diplomatic Relations

• Russia-China Relations: An Overview
• The Belt and Road Initiative: What You Need to Know
• Russia’s Military Operations in Ukraine: A Timeline
• China’s Stance on International Sanctions Against Russia
• The Israel-Hamas Conflict: Implications for China-Russia Alliance
• Alexander Gabuev: Insights on Russia-China Relations
• International Criminal Court and Its Warrants: An Introduction