Putin arrives in China to deepen strategic partnership with Xi Jinping
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing early on Thursday for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping that the Kremlin hopes will deepen a strategic partnership between the two most powerful geopolitical rivals of the United States.
The genesis of this alliance traces back to February 2022, when both nations declared an unwavering partnership, coinciding with Putin's visit to Beijing just before Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. This move reverberated as the most significant land conflict in Europe since World War Two.
Opting for China as his inaugural foreign destination underscores Putin's emphasis on this alliance and the depth of his personal rapport with Xi.
In an interview with China's Xinhua news agency, Putin lauded Xi's role in fostering a strategic partnership founded on mutual interests and unwavering trust. He emphasized the exceptional level of this partnership as the driving force behind his decision to prioritize China for his first official visit after assuming the presidency.
Putin articulated ambitious plans for collaboration, spanning industries such as technology, space exploration, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. These sectors represent focal points for enhancing bilateral ties and fostering innovation.
The visit coincides with a gala commemorating 75 years since the Soviet Union's recognition of the People's Republic of China, a historic milestone cementing their enduring relationship. China's state media has warmly welcomed Putin's arrival, portraying it as a visit from an esteemed "old friend."
Putin and Xi share a worldview that perceives Western influence as waning, coinciding with China's ascendancy challenging US dominance across various domains, including technology and military capabilities.
Beyond Beijing, Putin's itinerary includes a visit to Harbin, a city steeped in historical ties with Russia. A newly inaugurated mall featuring products from over 80 Russian manufacturers symbolizes the depth of economic cooperation between the two nations.
In sum, Putin's visit to China signals a deepening of the strategic partnership between two influential players in global politics, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and challenging the traditional dominance of Western powers.
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