/ world today news/ Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia on March 20 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. According to the press service of the Kremlin, the heads of state will discuss the further development of bilateral relations and, after the three-day negotiations, will sign several important documents.
Eurasian convergence
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that on March 20, Putin and Xi will talk privately and hold an informal lunch. Communication with media representatives is also planned – in the form of statements or as part of a press conference.
The assistant to the president for international affairs Yuriy Ushakov specified that the deputy chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, the minister of foreign affairs Sergey Lavrov, the deputy prime minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, the head of the central bank Elvira Nabiulina, the minister of defense Sergey Shoigu and the head of “Roscosmos” Yuri Borisov will participate in the discussions. According to Ushakov, such a composition very clearly shows what will be discussed. Including military-technical and energy cooperation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Wang Wenbin explained that this is a friendship visit that will further strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two countries. He emphasized that the friendship between Moscow and Beijing is passed down from generation to generation. At the same time, the dialogue is based on the principles of non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties, the department adds. In particular, China will adhere to an objective position on Ukraine and play a constructive role in resolving the conflict.
Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui noted that Beijing intends to build strategic cooperation with Moscow “back to back”. Among other things, this refers to the formation of a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations in the name of ensuring global stability.
In December, Putin and Xi held talks via video conference. Then the President of Russia invited his colleague to Moscow. This meeting should become the main political event of the year in bilateral relations.
Xi’s visit to Russia is his first trip abroad since his re-election as China’s president. This is the third consecutive mandate – a unique case in the country’s history. He has ruled the country since 2013. this way.
The Ukrainian case
In late February, Wang Yi, head of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, visited Russia, where he discussed the situation in Ukraine. Shortly thereafter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China published a 12-point conflict resolution program. In particular, Beijing insists on respecting the sovereignty of all countries, rejecting the Cold War mentality, ending hostilities and lifting sanctions.
In Moscow, the proposals were received positively, in Kiev they said that China does not take into account Ukrainian interests. Maybe after a meeting with Putin, Xi will negotiate with Zelensky. The adviser to the head of the office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak has not yet confirmed this. According to him, the discussions continue, but there are no specifics. China expresses concern over the prolongation of the conflict, and Kiev wants to receive guarantees for the restoration of territorial integrity. Podoliak stressed that if Beijing maintains a dialogue only with Moscow, it “will not add points” to it as a global player and will not contribute to an end to hostilities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, in an interview with the BBC, expressed dissatisfaction that the president of China and the Pope have not yet joined the coalition of supporters of Kiev. In particular, none of them have met with Zelensky. Xi wants to hold online conversations with Zelensky to make him an “unpleasant proposition,” according to Time magazine.
Desires and possibilities
China sees the current international situation as an unmanageable crisis, said Alexei Maslov, director of the Institute for Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University. In his talks with Putin, Xi will try to push for improvement on at least some fronts. “Beijing does not want to discuss a military-political alliance, but cooperation with Moscow will certainly expand. Perhaps on the issues of war and peace, Russia and China will come up with a common position. However, we are friends without strict obligations, since not all interests coincide,” he said. an expert.
Much depends on whether Xi succeeds in pushing the 12-point concept as a basis for a peaceful settlement, Maslov said. “This scenario is similar to the Korean variant, when the parties in the conflict do not recognize each other, but still avoid clashes. The main obstacle is the position of the USA. The Americans really do not want the Chinese to receive the laurels of peacemakers,” argued the political scientist.
In any case, Russia and China will expand cooperation in trade and science. Trade turnover now exceeds 190 billion dollars per year. Until 2024 200 billion are expected. Andrei Vinogradov, a professor from the Friendship of Peoples University, believes that during the three-day visit, this topic will become key.
“Given that there are still no details on Ukraine, Xi and Putin are unlikely to focus on it. The economy is another matter. Trade in yuan will be discussed,” the expert said.
In general, experts have no doubt that the meeting will become historic and will mark the strategic rapprochement of the two countries.
Translation: V. Sergeev
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**Given the differing political systems and long-term ambitions of China and Russia, what are the potential flashpoints that could strain this strategic alliance in the future?**
## World Today News Interview: Xi Jinping’s Visit to Russia
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we discuss the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia. Joining us are two expert guests: Dr. Anya Ivanova, a renowned international relations specialist focused on Sino-Russian relations, and Mr. Ben Carter, a political economist with expertise in the Eurasian region.
**Section 1: Geopolitical Significance**
**(Interviewer):** Dr. Ivanova, Xi Jinping’s visit is described as a “friendship visit” characterized by “strategic convergence.” What are the key geopolitical implications of this alliance?
**(Dr. Ivanova):** This meeting indeed signifies a deepening strategic partnership between two major world powers increasingly concerned about a US-led international order. We see a convergence on issues like challenging Western hegemony, promoting multipolarity, and pushing back against what they perceive as NATO expansion.
**(Interviewer):** Mr. Carter, do you agree with this assessment, and what are the potential economic implications of this convergence?
**(Mr. Carter):** I concur. These nations are increasingly intertwined economically, with trade exceeding USD 190 billion. This visit likely aims to bolster this cooperation, potentially even by transitioning to yuan-based trade, lessening reliance on the dollar. This has significant implications for the global economic landscape.
**Section 2: The Ukrainian Conflict: A Peacemaker or a Wildcard?**
**(Interviewer):** China has presented a 12-point peace plan for the Ukrainian conflict. Dr. Ivanova, how do you view China’s role in this conflict, and is there potential for its plan to succeed?
**(Dr. Ivanova):** China walks a tightrope, balancing its relationship with Russia with its desire to maintain a stable global order. The 12-point plan reflects this, seeking a negotiated settlement while avoiding direct condemnation of Russia. However, its success hinges on Western acceptance and Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.
**(Interviewer):** Mr. Carter, some Western nations express skepticism about China’s motivations. What are your thoughts on the potential for China to play a constructive role in finding a peaceful resolution?
**(Mr. Carter):** China’s role is complex. While it wants to avoid being drawn into the conflict directly, it clearly sees an opportunity to increase its global influence by being perceived as a peacemaker. However, achieving this depends heavily on whether it can convince both sides to engage in meaningful dialog.
**Section 3: The Future of the Sino-Russian Partnership**
**(Interviewer):** Looking ahead, what are the long-term prospects for this partnership, and what are the potential challenges they might face?
**(Dr. Ivanova):** This partnership is likely to deepen, driven by shared interests and a perceived common threat. We can expect increased cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and potentially even military spheres. However, differences in strategic goals, competition for resources, and China’s overarching ambition might create friction points down the road.
**(Mr. Carter):** I agree. This relationship is a strategic marriage of convenience, fueled by a shared desire to challenge the existing world order.
**(Interviewer):
**(
**Conclusion**
The Xi-Putin meeting signifies a significant development in the geopolitical landscape. While it holds promise for increased cooperation and a potential pathway to peace in Ukraine, it also raises concerns about the implications for the existing global order and the potential for increased tensions between East and West.
Thank you to our guests, Dr. Ivanova and Mr. Carter, for sharing their valuable insights. Stay tuned to World Today News for further analysis and coverage on this crucial developing story.
