Putin to visit Beijing at Xi’s invitation as ‘No Limits’ partnership continues

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day state visit to China this week, strengthening the bond between the two authoritarian allies. The visit, confirmed by the Kremlin on Tuesday, comes as Putin’s first foreign trip since beginning his fifth term as President of Russia.

During his visit, Putin will engage in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on various bilateral relations and international issues of mutual interest, as stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The trip underscores the close political and economic ties between the two nations, with China providing crucial support to Russia in the conflict in Ukraine and serving as a significant energy export market for Moscow.

The alliance between Russia and China has raised concerns among Western democracies and NATO, as the two authoritarian states seek to expand their influence in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and South America. China’s recent declaration of a “no limits” relationship with Russia in opposition to the West further highlights the growing partnership between the two nations.

Putin’s visit to China also comes at a critical time, just ahead of the inauguration of Taiwan’s next president, William Lai Ching-te. China considers Taiwan as its own territory and has threatened to annex it by force if necessary, adding to the geopolitical tensions in the region.

Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Europe, including stops in Hungary and Serbia, was seen as an effort to bolster China’s influence in the continent and drive a wedge between the EU and NATO. The trip aimed to solidify China’s economic foothold in Europe amidst domestic challenges like a housing crisis and slower economic growth.

Overall, Putin’s visit to China underscores the deepening partnership between the two authoritarian states and their shared goal of challenging Western influence on the global stage.