Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both expressed support for a “political solution” to the war in Ukraine, with Xi stating that they are both defending a democratic world order based on international law and reflecting multipolar realities. This comes as Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, occupying a significant portion of the country’s territory and conducting daily attacks on Ukrainian populations and infrastructure. While Xi was touring Europe to discuss Ukraine and trade, it was reported that China remains Russia’s leading source of sanctioned dual-use goods, supplying around 90% of the high priority products needed by Russia.
Putin’s visit to China marked his first trip abroad since his controversial reelection for a fifth presidential term in March. During his visit, he met with Xi to discuss their strategic partnership and identify areas for future cooperation. Putin also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and attended the opening ceremony of the eighth Russian-Chinese EXPO and the fourth Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation in the city of Harbin. In an interview with the Chinese state outlet Xinhua, Putin praised China’s efforts to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing Moscow’s commitment to resolving the crisis peacefully.
The unity between Xi and Putin in their support for a political solution to the war in Ukraine highlights the alignment of both countries in opposition to Western, U.S.-led initiatives. Both leaders emphasized the need for a democratic world order based on international law and reflected on the importance of multipolar realities. Despite the ongoing aggression by Russia in Ukraine and China’s role in supplying sanctioned goods to fuel the conflict, Xi and Putin presented a united front during their meeting in China, highlighting their shared strategic partnership and future cooperation.
The visit by Putin to China also comes as a significant event following his reelection, which was widely viewed as rigged by international observers. The timing of the visit, amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions with the West, underscores the importance of the relationship between Russia and China as they navigate geopolitical challenges. Putin’s praise for China’s role in seeking a political solution to the conflict reflects the mutual interests of both countries in maintaining stability and asserting their influence on the global stage. The discussions between Xi and Putin during the visit aimed to strengthen their bilateral partnership and identify key areas for continued cooperation in the face of global uncertainty.
As China continues to be a key supplier of goods to Russia, despite Western sanctions, the alignment between Xi and Putin on the Ukraine crisis raises questions about the broader implications of their partnership. The support for a political solution to the conflict, while maintaining their strategic relationship, indicates a complex interplay of interests and alliances in the current geopolitical landscape. With ongoing conflicts and challenges in various regions, the unity between China and Russia could have significant implications for global security and the balance of power. As they navigate their respective roles on the world stage, the actions and statements of Xi and Putin will continue to shape international relations and influence the trajectory of conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
