Vladimir Putin visits China to strengthen strong relationship with Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on a state visit to strengthen ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping and bolster support for Russia’s economy amidst escalating sanctions. The visit comes as Russia’s economy increasingly relies on China, especially after facing sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.

Footage from China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed Putin’s arrival, where he was greeted by an honour guard and escorted into black limousines surrounded by police on motorcycles. The visit is crucial as China has been a key trading partner for Russia, but recent signs of a slight pullback in trade have raised concerns.

Analysts anticipate discussions between Putin and Xi on how to navigate around sanctions, with China refusing to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The US has accused China of supporting Russia’s war efforts by providing dual-use goods, further straining relations between the two superpowers.

Ahead of the visit, Putin emphasized the unity between Russia and China in creating a “multipolar world” and hinted at potential negotiations with Ukraine, contingent on security guarantees. Meanwhile, China is focused on stabilizing trade markets in the EU and the US to prevent further tariff increases.

As the world’s largest exporter, China’s economy heavily relies on selling to developed markets, making trade relations with the US a critical issue. President Biden’s recent announcement of tariffs on Chinese goods underscores the importance of trade dynamics in the upcoming presidential election.