On May 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Communist Leader Xi Jinping met and reiterated their "no limit" relationship in the face of mounting pressure from the US and EU. On May 16, Mr. Putin landed in Beijing early and started a two-day state visit at the head of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) invitation.
Since taking office earlier this month for a new six-year term as president, this is Mr. Putin's first international trip. By taking this action, Mr. Putin extended his reign to 24 years and increased his chances of becoming one of Russia's longest-serving presidents.
Mr. Putin said at the outset of their discussions that one of the "main stabilizing factors on the international stage" was Moscow and Beijing's collaboration in international affairs.
According to a Kremlin statement, Russia and China are cooperating to establish a more equitable and “democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities,” as Mr. Putin put it.
In exchange, Xi promised to carry on strengthening ties with Russia, which the CCP leader referred to as a “good neighbor, good friend, and good partner,” as per a meeting summary made public by China’s foreign ministry.
Following an extensive discussion earlier on May 16, China's official media Xinhua said that the two authoritarian leaders released a joint statement strengthening their "comprehensive strategic partnership" for "a new era," a sign of their closeness in the face of pressure from the United States.
Their most recent meeting in Beijing took place as Washington and Brussels' worries about the CCP's assistance to Russia in rebuilding its military industrial base intensified.
During his April visit to China, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed reporters that the Biden administration is ready to take appropriate action, such as sending machine tools, microelectronics, and other equipment that has "a material effect" against Ukraine, should the CCP continue to support Russia's war efforts.
In light of this, Mr. Putin would probably utilize the talks with Xi and high-ranking CCP officials to guarantee the Chinese side's continuous support, according to Cheng Chin-mo, a Russian and international affairs specialist at Tamkang University in Taiwan.
China has been Russia's main economic pillar throughout the conflict. According to China's customs statistics issued in January, bilateral commerce between the two countries reached a new high of $240.1 billion in 2023, up 25% over the previous year.
Prior to the meeting on May 16, Mr. Cheng said to The Epoch Times that "Putin will continue to be dependent on the CCP." "He is concerned that China, whose economy is in decline, will put its ties with Europe before its support for Russia."
However, Mr. Cheng said that "the CCP will not stop its assistance to Russia," pointing out that Xi has justified China's strong economic connections with Russia as a component of regular commerce.
Since taking office earlier this month for a new six-year term as president, this is Mr. Putin's first international trip. By taking this action, Mr. Putin extended his reign to 24 years and increased his chances of becoming one of Russia's longest-serving presidents.
Mr. Putin said at the outset of their discussions that one of the "main stabilizing factors on the international stage" was Moscow and Beijing's collaboration in international affairs.
According to a Kremlin statement, Russia and China are cooperating to establish a more equitable and “democratic world order that reflects multipolar realities,” as Mr. Putin put it.
In exchange, Xi promised to carry on strengthening ties with Russia, which the CCP leader referred to as a “good neighbor, good friend, and good partner,” as per a meeting summary made public by China’s foreign ministry.
Following an extensive discussion earlier on May 16, China's official media Xinhua said that the two authoritarian leaders released a joint statement strengthening their "comprehensive strategic partnership" for "a new era," a sign of their closeness in the face of pressure from the United States.
Their most recent meeting in Beijing took place as Washington and Brussels' worries about the CCP's assistance to Russia in rebuilding its military industrial base intensified.
During his April visit to China, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed reporters that the Biden administration is ready to take appropriate action, such as sending machine tools, microelectronics, and other equipment that has "a material effect" against Ukraine, should the CCP continue to support Russia's war efforts.
In light of this, Mr. Putin would probably utilize the talks with Xi and high-ranking CCP officials to guarantee the Chinese side's continuous support, according to Cheng Chin-mo, a Russian and international affairs specialist at Tamkang University in Taiwan.
China has been Russia's main economic pillar throughout the conflict. According to China's customs statistics issued in January, bilateral commerce between the two countries reached a new high of $240.1 billion in 2023, up 25% over the previous year.
Prior to the meeting on May 16, Mr. Cheng said to The Epoch Times that "Putin will continue to be dependent on the CCP." "He is concerned that China, whose economy is in decline, will put its ties with Europe before its support for Russia."
However, Mr. Cheng said that "the CCP will not stop its assistance to Russia," pointing out that Xi has justified China's strong economic connections with Russia as a component of regular commerce.
