Putin emphasizes trade and cultural exchanges in Harbin, China following reaffirmation of ties with Xi Jinping.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China has been marked by a focus on trade and cultural exchanges, showcasing the deepening partnership between the two countries amid rising tensions with the West. The visit began with a meeting between Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where they emphasized their “no limits” relationship.

During a China-Russia Expo in Harbin, Putin praised the growth in bilateral trade and highlighted the importance of cooperation in developing new technologies. The historical ties between the two countries were also celebrated, with Putin laying flowers at a monument to fallen Soviet soldiers in Harbin who had fought for China against Japan during the second Sino-Japanese war.

The meeting between Putin and Xi included discussions on ending the war in Ukraine, with China offering a peace plan that was rejected by Ukraine and the West for not calling for Russia to leave occupied parts of Ukraine. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the friendly relationship between China and Russia has only strengthened, with trade between the two countries reaching $240 billion last year.

Experts believe that the partnership between China and Russia offers strategic benefits for both countries, especially as they navigate tensions with Europe and the U.S. Putin and Xi have a longstanding agreement to visit each other’s countries once a year, underscoring the importance of their relationship.

As Putin faces global isolation for the invasion of Ukraine and China grapples with its own challenges, the unity between the two countries serves as a reminder to the West that they can be defiant when necessary. The visit may be symbolic, but it sends a clear message of solidarity between Russia and China in the face of external pressures.