Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing to strengthen their strategic relationship. Putin’s visit, the first since starting his fifth term, comes as both countries tout their “no-limits” friendship as a counter to U.S. influence. China has become Russia’s lifeline since the invasion of Ukraine and trade volume between the two countries has increased significantly. Both countries aim to deepen cooperation in high-technology, outer space, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
The U.S. has expressed concerns over China’s support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, with Washington warning Beijing to curtail its military aid. In response, President Joe Biden announced new tariff rates on Chinese imports to protect American industries from what is deemed as unfair trade practices. The economic and diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and its allies could push China closer to Russia. Putin is set to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and visit the city of Harbin for a trade and investment expo during his two-day state visit to China.
Both countries have been seeking to strengthen their ties across various sectors, including high-technology, outer space, and nuclear energy. The increase in trade volume between China and Russia reflects the growing cooperation between the two nations, with trade volume reaching $227.8 billion last year. As tensions between Russia and the U.S. continue to escalate, China’s support for Russia could deepen, potentially leading to a closer strategic relationship between the two countries.
The close relationship between China and Russia has raised concerns in the U.S., with Washington urging Beijing to reconsider its military aid to Moscow in light of the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. has also imposed new tariff rates on Chinese imports to address what it sees as unfair trade practices by China. The pressure from the U.S. and its allies could push China closer to Russia, potentially leading to a deeper strategic partnership between the two countries.
Putin’s visit to China comes at a time of increasing tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over the conflict in Ukraine. Both China and Russia have sought to strengthen their ties across various sectors, including high-technology, outer space, and nuclear energy. The growing trade volume between the two countries reflects their deepening cooperation, with trade reaching $227.8 billion last year. Despite concerns raised by the U.S., China’s support for Russia could further strengthen their strategic relationship in the face of mounting economic and diplomatic pressure.
