Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, demonstrating mutual support and shared opposition to Western democracies amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov praised China’s successes and noted the efforts of other countries to restrain their development. Russia’s growing isolation has led to increased reliance on China, with the two countries aligning their foreign policies and participating in joint military exercises and international organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi reaffirmed solidarity in international affairs during a news conference, expressing opposition to events that do not consider Russia’s position.
Both Russia and China oppose Ukrainian President Zelensky’s peace proposal and criticize the West for provoking the war. China has not provided direct military support to Russia but has backed them diplomatically. Despite calling for a ceasefire, China’s peace proposal has not gained traction due to its continued support for Russia and lack of a clear vision for resolving the conflict. Wang emphasized that China and Russia will maintain close exchanges in the future, highlighting the importance of their relationship and the need to cherish and maintain it. While Lavrov visited China, both countries have reciprocally shown support for each other’s viewpoints on the conflict.
China and Russia have engaged in joint military drills and are viewed as seeking to supplant democracies with dictatorships in regions where they hold influence. China has its own territorial disputes, including over Taiwan and the South and East China Seas. The two countries signed a pact before Russia invaded Ukraine, pledging a “no limits” relationship where China supports Russia’s actions while also calling for peace talks. US President Biden has urged China to use its influence over North Korea and questioned its defense relationship with Russia to contain both countries’ aggressive behavior.
Amid sanctions from the US and its allies, China has maintained robust economic ties with Russia, despite claiming not to provide arms or military assistance. While China supports a ceasefire and an international meeting recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, its proposals have not gained much traction due to its backing of Russia and unclear vision for a resolution. The friendship between China and Russia has deep historical roots, with both countries learning from past experiences to foster a healthy and stable bilateral relationship. The two nations are seen as challenging the Western world order by promoting authoritarianism and opposing democratic values in various regions.
Putin’s visit to Beijing before the invasion of Ukraine solidified the China-Russia relationship, with both countries signing agreements for a strong partnership. Despite calls for peace talks, China continues to support Russia’s stance on the conflict and maintains a combative tone towards the US and its allies. Both China and Russia have participated in joint military exercises and aim to decrease the influence of democracies in regions under their control. As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, China’s role in the conflict remains a subject of international concern, with calls for Beijing to use its influence to de-escalate the situation and promote peace in the region.
