China, Russia Deepen Ties Amid Ukraine War

Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin to Meet in Beijing

The strategic alignment between Moscow and Beijing has intensified significantly since the commencement of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. China has consistently refrained from condemning the conflict or demanding a Russian troop withdrawal, a stance that has fueled suspicions among Ukraine’s allies about Beijing’s covert support for Moscow.

China’s Stance on Ukraine

Beijing maintains it occupies a neutral position, frequently advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Concurrently, China has leveled accusations against Western nations, suggesting their provision of arms to Ukraine is inadvertently prolonging the protracted conflict.

During a recent conversation, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that intricate global challenges rarely possess straightforward resolutions. According to CCTV, Xi stated, China will always … support making peace and promoting talks.

Upcoming Summit and Potential Meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin is slated to visit China towards the end of August. His itinerary includes participation in a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and attending commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion. This visit will also feature bilateral discussions with President Xi.

Speculation is mounting regarding the possibility of a summit between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in China, potentially in early September. The Kremlin has not dismissed the prospect of such a high-profile meeting.

As global powers navigate complex geopolitical currents, data indicates that China’s trade with Russia has seen a substantial increase. In 2023, bilateral trade between China and Russia reached a record $240 billion, underscoring the deepening economic relationship between the two nations (Source: China’s General Administration of Customs, 2024).