The relationship between Russia and China has been under examination following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent state visit to Beijing.
The two world leaders met on May 16th, 2024 as they committed to strengthening ties between Russia and China amid continued opposition to the views of the West.
Leaders Address Controversial Global Topics
During the meeting on Thursday, Putin and Xi talked about a range of topics from the war in Ukraine to the economy which was issued in a statement committing to a deepening of their shared partnership.
The shared vision between the two leaders during their talks points to a mutual desire to be global leaders not under the thumb of the US.
Russian Opposition to the United States Agenda
Conflicts in recent years have seen tensions only further increase between the US and both of these countries. The Biden administration came out as a strong ally to Ukraine following the invasion in February of 2022.
Billions of dollars were pledged by the United States to aid Kyiv in defending itself much to Putin’s dismay and sparking fears of renewed threats of nuclear war between the two nations.
Tensions with The US Shared by China
The question of Taiwanese independence has caused much tension between the US and China. Beijing has a “One China” policy which claims Taiwan as part of the country.
Although the United States has not come out in support of Taiwanese independence, it has said it would defend the nation in the event of an invasion by China.
Addressing Nuclear War Concerns
Amidst fears of these regional struggles could spawn a wider war with the United States involving the user of nuclear weapons, Russia and China released a joint statement to address these concerns.
China and Russia released a single sentence addressing this fear during their joint statement on May 16th saying: “There can be no winners in a nuclear war and it should never be fought”.
The Greater Implications of Nuclear Weaponry
The position of nuclear weaponry in the greater global context is one that professor at the University of Michigan Javed Ali said was evident from the statement provided by the world leaders.
According to Ali in Newsweek, the statement “indicates the confidence both countries feel about declared nuclear powers and how those weapons—like for the United States, France, and Great Britain–are part of each country’s national security posture.”
Strong Ties Between Russia and China
Ali continued to comment on the indication that this summit shows a “strong relationship” between the two countries as they stand in opposition to the US and its allies diminishing their influence.
Ali says this current partnership may appear to be more “transactional than strategic” as both countries also require attention to be given to their respective national interests.
Putin’s Warning Still Reverberates
Putin’s statement back in March is sure to still be in the minds of political spectators as he warned that the threat of nuclear war would increase if troops were sent to Ukraine from the West.
The supply of troops as opposed to weaponry or other supplies has been viewed as a hard line for Russia which allies of Ukraine have not crossed yet.
Putin’s Position Coming Into Talks
While appearances may have positioned the two leaders as equals during their summit, the wider context of Russia coming to Beijing as a heavily sanctioned and increasingly isolated power put Putin at a disadvantage.
Despite this apparent imbalance, Xi provided a warm welcome to Putin in Tiananmen Square providing a brief hug for cameras as a band played old Red Army songs.
Putin’s High Praise for China
According to the BBC, Putin claimed that he and Xi were “as close as brothers” and continued in praising China’s economy in a move that will impress officials in Beijing who are worried about the state of the economy.
Xi’s remarks were much more restrained however, he described the relationship with Putin as a “good friend and a good neighbor”.
Pressure from The US on China
Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China last month that they should cease trading components with Russia which fuels the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The commitment to co-operation which was evident during the talks appears to be sending a message to the West that they will not be influenced by pressures from the US.
Comments on Israel Support
The sweeping comments on the state of US cooperation with their allies being “extremely destabilizing”, as per CNN, come as both Russia and China have condemned the support of Israel in its war against Hamas.
Comments from both countries indicate an effort to strengthen ties across the Global South and align with the backlash in opposition of Israel’s activity in Gaza.
The talks between Putin and Xi point toward a new chapter in relations between Russia and China and signals to the increasing distance being created between the two super powers and the West.
