Analysis: Putin’s Visit to China Raises Concerns Over Alliance Amid Western Pressure and Sanctions
Chinese legal scholar Du Wen told The Epoch Times that there are significant differences in interests between China and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China on May 17, concluding a two-day state visit. Despite claims of strengthening their ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era,’ no breakthrough agreements were reached between China and Russia. Experts noted that China may have reservations about deepening military and economic ties with Russia.
Putin arrived in Beijing on May 16, marking his second visit in seven months and his first trip abroad since his reelection. China warmly welcomed him, with a rare appearance by a female official, state councilor Shen Yiqin, to greet him.
Some Chinese press described Ms. Shen’s role in welcoming Mr. Putin as a special arrangement, reflecting the warm relations between the two countries.
Putin’s Need for CCP Support
In Feb. 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to the CCP becoming an essential ally of Russia. With severe sanctions from Western countries, Russia’s economy has disconnected from the West, making Mr. Putin heavily reliant on Beijing for diplomatic and economic support.
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Before his visit, Mr. Putin highlighted the growth in China-Russia trade over the past five years, with China being Russia’s largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years. He emphasized future cooperation in various sectors like technology, energy, and artificial intelligence, describing China as a “good neighbor and reliable friend.”
CCP’s Conflicted Interests
Despite the high praise for the bilateral friendship, Chinese leader Xi Jinping may have reservations. The joint statement released no longer included phrases like friendship with “no limits” and “no forbidden areas” to describe China-Russia relations.
At a press conference after the meeting with Putin, Xi emphasized upholding the principles of “non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.” He stressed the need to find common interests and deepen integration.
Commentators noted that the joint statement indicates comprehensive cooperation between the two countries with a focus on the CCP supporting and aiding Russia. However, it is clear that China firmly supports Russia but will not compromise its global position in the industrial chain, especially with regards to military cooperation, which is unacceptable to the West.
US, EU Warnings to China
Prior to Putin’s visit, Xi concluded a visit to Europe, where European leaders expressed concerns about China providing lethal weapons to Russia. The United States and the EU warned China against supporting a threat to European security.
Mr. Du remarked that Russia’s actions and threats to European security are red lines for the US and Europe. Despite substantial support for Russia, the CCP may have to reconsider its position if the West responds firmly.
Xin Ning contributed to this report.
