Background on Xi Jinping and Russia-China Relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on a four-day visit to Russia starting Wednesday, providing crucial diplomatic support to President Vladimir Putin during a time when the Russian leader aims to showcase that his country is not isolated on the global stage.
Amidst China’s ongoing trade war with the United States, Xi is expected to sign numerous agreements to deepen the already close “boundaryless” strategic partnership with Moscow. China has become Russia’s largest trading partner, purchasing more Russian oil and gas than any other nation. This partnership has provided an economic lifeline to Russia, helping it circumvent Western sanctions imposed due to its conflict in Ukraine.
Who is Xi Jinping?
Xi Jinping has been the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the President of the People’s Republic of China since 2012. As one of the most powerful Chinese leaders in decades, Xi’s domestic and foreign policies have significantly shaped China’s trajectory. His visit to Russia underscores the growing influence of both China and Russia in global affairs.
Why are Russia and China strengthening ties?
Russia and China have been deepening their strategic partnership due to shared interests, including economic cooperation and opposition to Western dominance. Both nations have questioned the unipolar world order led by the United States and advocate for a more multipolar global system.
Key Points of Xi Jinping’s Visit
- Deepening Strategic Partnership: Xi Jinping is expected to sign multiple agreements to further solidify the “boundaryless” strategic partnership between China and Russia.
- Economic Cooperation: China’s substantial purchases of Russian oil and gas have bolstered the Russian economy, providing a counterbalance to Western sanctions.
- Geopolitical Alignment: Both nations aim to challenge the United States’ global leadership and promote a multipolar world order.
- Diplomatic Support for Putin: Xi Jinping’s visit offers crucial diplomatic backing to Putin amid international concerns about Russia’s isolation.
Reactions from the US and Russia
Despite recent efforts by President Donald Trump to mend ties between the United States and Russia, Putin is expected to present a united front with Xi against Washington. Both leaders have questioned the US’s global dominance and “exceptionalism,” advocating instead for a more multipolar world.
In February, Special Envoy Keith Kellogg stated that the US would attempt to disrupt Russia’s close relationships with countries like China. However, just days later, Xi and Putin reaffirmed their “boundaryless” partnership.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Xi Jinping? Xi Jinping is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China since 2012.
- Why is Xi Jinping visiting Russia? Xi Jinping’s visit aims to deepen the strategic partnership between China and Russia, sign multiple agreements, and offer diplomatic support to President Vladimir Putin amid international concerns about Russia’s isolation.
- What are the key points of Xi Jinping’s visit? Key points include deepening the strategic partnership, enhancing economic cooperation, aligning geopolitically against the US, and reaffirming their commitment to a multipolar world order.
- How have the US and Russia reacted to this visit? Despite recent attempts by the US to improve ties with Russia, Putin is expected to present a united front with Xi against Washington. Both leaders have questioned US global dominance and advocate for a multipolar world.
