During a summit in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong partnership, criticizing U.S. foreign policy and alliances while emphasizing their shared stance amid increasing tensions with the West. While thanking China for its proposals on resolving the Ukraine conflict, which were rejected by Ukraine and the West, Putin’s visit coincided with Russian forces’ offensive in northeastern Ukraine. Both leaders underscored their commitment to each other, with China refraining from criticizing Russia’s actions and instead aligning with Moscow’s narrative on the conflict.
Despite facing challenges from the U.S. and Europe, both nations emphasized their deepening ties and economic cooperation, with Russia increasingly reliant on China amidst Western sanctions. The joint statement criticized U.S. foreign policy and military deployments in the Asia-Pacific, further demonstrating China’s support for Russia. The summit highlighted the strategic alignment between the two countries, signaling their intention to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including defense and technology, amid geopolitical shifts.