/ world today news/ Arriving in Moscow on March 20 for the first state visit after being re-elected for the third time as the leader of the PRC, President Xi Jinping immediately went to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In these long-standing relations between the two leaders, not only protocol formalities are important, but also personal details that not everyone pays attention to.
Putin and Xi are not just two responsible global politicians. These are also two old friends who have met on different forums about 40 times. They value friends and friendship and have the most respectful and friendly feelings for each other, they are ready together (and with pleasure) to relax and have fun.
And not only because they are at the head of two big friendly countries that have good neighborly relations, but because something deeply personal also brings them together. Xi Jinping comes from a family where friendship with Russia was highly valued, he is a great admirer of Russian culture. Russian literature, in his own words, helped him survive his exile in a remote province, where he was sent to forced labor and “labor re-education” under Mao Zedong as the son of a high-ranking civil servant.
Putin has not had an easy life either, and he has long respected the East as an expert in martial arts. Already in 1973 became a master of sports in sambo, and soon a master of sports in judo. He is the champion of Leningrad, becomes the winner of the USSR Cup.
A lot in common and a common enemy
Both leaders, whose power in their countries is unchallenged by anyone, have a lot in common. At a big press conference in 2020. Putin put it this way: “The interests of Russia and China coincide in many areas,” or perhaps the vibrations on a personal level, “all this contributed to the fact that we have very friendly, businesslike, first of all, but at the same time a very trusting, friendly relationship with President Xi Jinping, and of course that helps in the work.”
For his part, the Chinese leader once called Putin his “closest friend” who has made a contribution of “historic significance” to the development of relations between the two countries.
And these are not just words: Xi has been to Russia about 10 times in his capacity as President of the People’s Republic of China. Putin (who has been in charge of the country for a longer time and was in close contact with Xi’s predecessors) in China – about 20.
No foreign leader has ever visited China so many times. Of course, each time these visits, as well as meetings on the territory of third countries, did not pass without gifts, which were also presented on the occasion of birthdays.
“We exchange some small things with him,” he once admitted, referring to Xi, the Russian president.
As has long been known, small gifts strengthen friendship. And this time, according to Ushakov, “an exchange of gifts is planned: not very expensive, but symbolic.”
What it will be, at the time of writing, is unknown. For example, Xi should give Putin something related to Chinese tradition or science.
It is impossible to even guess what items Putin will present to his friend, except for one thing – Russian ice cream, which Xi adores. As a rule, gifts reflect the national traditions of both countries and personal, friendly relations. They are kind, unlike the nightmare that US President Joe Biden gave the Russian leader in Geneva.
Amber sailboat
Let’s recall what “trifles” Putin gave to Xi Jinping in recent years: the Russian YotaPhone-2 smartphone; box of ice cream (always given to C); nuts, honey and tea from Siberia; huge cake; vase, poster from 1956 on the cooperation between the two countries – with workers and maps of the USSR and China connected by a railway line; an amber painting depicting a sailboat in a stormy sea; jade table lamps; Russian bath made of 200-year-old Altai cedar. Regarding the amber sailboat, Xi Jinping said:
“I hope that both our countries will move forward so that the ship of our bilateral relations will set sail with full sail.”
Presenting Xi with a huge cake on his 66th birthday (he’ll be 70 soon!), Putin said: “I’m glad to have a friend like you.”
For his outstanding contribution to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our peoples, the leader of the People’s Republic of China was awarded the highest order of Russia – Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle with the motto “For Faith and Loyalty”.
Panda diplomacy
Xi’s gifts to Putin included a cake and the song Happy Birthday to You on a Zhuchen nizhenzhang (a folk musical instrument resembling a harp) and a Tinjiang nizhenzhang, a clay bust of the Russian president; a copy of the “Legendary Horse on the Great Silk Road” figurine, the original of which is kept in the National Museum of China; a sculpture of a Chinese warrior in traditional costume; a handmade desk with a wish for prosperity written on it; a set of silverware from the Beijing Druzhba Hotel; two friendly pandas – the male Zhui and the female Dingdin, who were transferred to the Moscow Zoo.
As a sign of deep respect, Putin was awarded China’s highest state honor for foreigners, the Order of Friendship of the People’s Republic of China, the first among heads of state.
“Hanging out” in St. Petersburg, sculpted pies
Gifts gifts, which, as we see, were dignified, noble and selected with taste. But Putin and Xi also had something else – joint fun. During the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in 2018. they walked around the exhibition “Streets of the Far East” for a long time, got acquainted with the achievements and projects of Russia in the space industry, agriculture and industry.
And then Putin invited Xi to visit the gastronomic pavilion at the exhibition, where the heads of state tried pancakes with caviar and other delicious fillings.
But even more memorable, especially for Xi, because there is nothing like it in China, was the joint evening tour (Putin was the guide) in the northern capital of Russia during the 2019 economic forum in St. Petersburg.
The leaders of Russia and China walked around the city center, toured the Hermitage Museum, took a boat ride on the Neva to see the beauties of St. Petersburg from the water, and boarded the historic Aurora cruiser. That day they parted after midnight.
But that’s not all. Putin and Xi once worked as chefs! This happened in 2018. at the SCO meeting in China, where they together made gobuli pies that looked like dumplings.
What of this?
In general, is it possible to recall such an attitude towards each other of leaders of this level? Not even necessarily in modern times, at all in the history of world diplomacy and interstate relations. Yeltsin’s drunkenness is not taken into account – he called everyone “friends” after a cup.
There is real respect here. There are objective and subjective prerequisites for Putin and Xi Jinping to become the “cooks” who will be able to bring out in Moscow the foundations of a new, non-American world. We wish them every success in this!
Translation: SM
Vote with ballot No. 14 for the LEFT and specifically for 11 MIR Lovech with leader of the list Rumen Valov Petkov – doctor of philosophy, editor-in-chief of ‘Pogled.Info’ and in 25 MIR-Sofia with preferential No. 105. Tell your friends in Lovech and Sofia who to support!?
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
and for the channel or in Telegram:
#chefs #unknown #details #relationship #Putin #Jinping
**While the article highlights shared goals and a “common enemy,” what potential areas of divergence or conflict might exist between Russia and China’s long-term interests, and how could these impact the purported “new world order”?**
This article presents a very particular and arguably biased view of the relationship between Putin and Xi Jinping. It emphasizes their personal connection and shared interests while downplaying potential political complexities. To encourage deeper understanding and critical thinking, here are some open-ended questions divided into thematic sections:
**Personal Relationship:**
* The article emphasizes the “friendship” between Putin and Xi. How much of this is genuine personal rapport, and how much is carefully cultivated for political ends?
* What are the potential limitations of viewing international relations solely through the lens of personal connections between leaders?
* The article mentions gifts exchanged between the leaders. How do these gifts function symbolically, and what messages do they convey beyond their material value?
**Shared Goals & “Common Enemy”:**
* The article claims Putin and Xi have “a lot in common” and a “common enemy.” What are these shared goals and perceived enemies, and how do they shape their relationship?
* How genuine is the alignment of Russian and Chinese interests? Could these interests diverge in the future?
* The article refers to a “new world order.” What does this new world order look like, and what are its implications for the existing global balance of power?
**Diplomacy and Image:**
* The article presents a positive view of Putin and Xi’s interactions. What are some alternative perspectives on these interactions?
* How does the portrayal of Putin and Xi as “friends” and “cooks” influence public perception of their policies and actions?
* What are the ethical considerations involved in using personal anecdotes and symbolism to shape understanding of complex geopolitical relationships?
**The Role of Media:**
* How does the tone and language used in the article contribute to the overall message?
* What are the possible biases or agendas of the publication that hosts this article?
* What are some responsible ways to consume and critically assess news and information about international relations?
These questions are designed to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between Putin and Xi Jinping. They move beyond simple acceptance of the article’s narrative and prompt readers to consider multiple perspectives and potential biases.
