Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a display of mutual support and opposition to Western democracies amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov expressed admiration for China’s successes under Xi’s leadership and acknowledged the shared challenges faced by both countries in the face of Western pressure. The two countries have a history of close alignment on foreign policy matters, including joint military exercises and collaboration in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
While China has refrained from providing direct military support to Russia, it has backed Moscow diplomatically in blaming the West for provoking the conflict. Despite not providing arms or military assistance, China maintains robust economic ties with Russia, alongside other countries like India. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s calls for a ceasefire and end to the war, as well as support for an international meeting recognized by both Russia and Ukraine to discuss peace solutions.
China’s peace proposal has not gained much traction due to its continued support for Russia and lack of a clear vision for a resolution to the conflict. Wang emphasized that Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will maintain close exchanges, with expectations of future visits to each other’s capitals. Wang highlighted the importance of cherishing and maintaining the current positive relations between China and Russia, which have overcome historical challenges to achieve stability and growth.
The meeting between Xi Jinping and Sergey Lavrov comes as China and Russia face increasing economic and diplomatic isolation from the West. The two countries have strengthened their cooperation in areas like military drills and are perceived as challenging democracies with their authoritarian influence. China’s own territorial disputes, including over Taiwan and the South China and East China Seas, add to the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Putin visited Beijing for the Winter Olympics in 2022, signing a pact with China pledging a “no limits” relationship. This agreement has seen China supporting Russia’s stance on the conflict while also calling for peace talks. Recently, U.S. President Joseph Biden urged China to reconsider its defense relationship with Russia and to use its influence over North Korea to rein in the nuclear power. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to heightened tensions between Western democracies and authoritarian regimes like China and Russia.
