BEIJING. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day state visit, underscoring the deepening alliance between Russia and China. This visit comes as Moscow continues its aggressive campaign in Ukraine, increasing its economic reliance on China.
In an interview with Chinese media ahead of his visit, Putin expressed openness to dialogue regarding the conflict in Ukraine. “We are open to a dialogue on Ukraine, but such negotiations must take into account the interests of all countries involved in the conflict, including ours,” he told Xinhua News Agency.
The timing of Putin’s visit coincides with a significant Russian offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, which began last week and has forced nearly 8,000 people to flee. This escalation is part of a broader push in the Donetsk region, as Ukraine’s military awaits new supplies from the United States.
“We have never refused to negotiate,” Putin reiterated. “We are seeking a comprehensive, sustainable, and just settlement of this conflict through peaceful means.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained that any negotiations must include the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.
China, while claiming neutrality, has supported Russia’s narrative that the invasion was provoked by the West. Despite this, China proposed a peace plan in 2023, which the West and Ukraine rejected. Putin has praised the plan, suggesting it could lay the groundwork for future diplomatic processes.
During the visit, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. The Kremlin’s statement indicated that they would explore new directions for cooperation and exchange views on pressing international and regional issues.
This visit is part of a broader effort by China and Russia to challenge the U.S.-led Western democratic order. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the importance of the Russia-China alliance in establishing a multipolar global order.
“Moscow and Beijing play a major balancing role in global affairs,” Lavrov stated. “The Russian president’s forthcoming visit to China will strengthen our joint work.”
As the war in Ukraine extends into its third year, Russia has turned increasingly to China, diverting energy exports and relying on Chinese technology to circumvent Western sanctions. The military ties between the two nations have also strengthened, with joint drills and cooperation in defense technologies.
Putin previously acknowledged sharing advanced military technologies with China, significantly enhancing its defense capabilities. Notably, Russia has assisted China in developing an early warning system for ballistic missile launches, a technology previously exclusive to Russia and the U.S.
The visit marks a pivotal moment in the Russia-China relationship, reinforcing their united front against Western influence and highlighting their strategic and economic interdependence amidst ongoing global tensions.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
