Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana on Wednesday, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. He emphasized the importance of continued comprehensive strategic coordination between China and Russia, underscoring the need to oppose external interference.
Xi Jinping highlighted the significant historical moment of the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations, emphasizing their joint planning and arrangements for the future of bilateral relations. In the face of global instability, both leaders affirmed their commitment to fostering enduring friendship, prioritizing the well-being of their peoples, and safeguarding their shared interests. They also stressed the importance of tapping into the inherent potential of their cooperative relationship to strengthen international strategic coordination.
Xi Jinping expressed China’s support for Russia’s role as the rotating chair of the BRICS, its efforts to unite the “Global South,” and its opposition to a “new cold war” and illegal unilateral sanctions. He reiterated the necessity of opposing external interference in their bilateral affairs.
Putin characterized Russia-China relations as being at their highest point historically, emphasizing the mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit that define their partnership. He emphasized that their relationship is not directed against any third party, aligning with the best interests of both nations.
Putin voiced his support for China’s safeguarding of its core interests and legitimate rights, and condemned external interference in China’s affairs, including South China Sea issues.
The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. Xi Jinping affirmed China’s unwavering stance in promoting peace and dialogue, expressing its willingness to actively advocate for political solutions to regional conflicts, including the Ukrainian crisis.
However, European officials with knowledge of the situation have revealed that Chinese and Russian companies are collaborating on the development of an attack drone similar to the Iranian drone deployed by the Russian military in Ukraine. This suggests that Beijing might be nearing the provision of lethal aid, a possibility that Western officials have cautioned against.
According to a Bloomberg report, officials who requested anonymity stated that Chinese and Russian companies engaged in discussions last year about collaborating on copying Iran’s Shahed drone. This year, they have reportedly initiated research and development, as well as testing, in preparation for potential shipments to Russia. While European officials confirmed that the Russian military has not yet deployed Chinese drones in Ukraine, they remain concerned about the potential for China to produce these drones at a faster pace than Iran or Russia.
Despite this development, Russia continues to rely on military aid from North Korea, Iran, and other nations, as well as China for crucial components. Notably, Chinese trade with Russia constituted 28% of Russia’s total trade last year, a significant increase from 19% in 2021. In contrast, the European Union’s share of Russian trade declined sharply from 36% to 17% over the same period.
Xi Jinping and Putin Meet in Astana Amidst Growing Russia-China Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Astana on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The meeting underscored the escalating strategic partnership between China and Russia, with both leaders emphasizing their commitment to strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination and opposing external interference.
Strengthening Strategic Coordination
Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of continuing to deepen bilateral relations, referencing the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. He stated that China and Russia share a “unique value” and should strive to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including development strategies and international affairs. Xi Jinping also expressed China’s support for Russia’s role as the rotating chairman of the BRICS and its efforts to unite the “global south” against a perceived “new cold war.”
Opposing Unilateral Sanctions and Hegemonism
Xi Jinping emphasized China’s stance against illegal unilateral sanctions and hegemonism, aligning with Russia’s own position. He called for continued opposition to external interference in both countries’ internal affairs and their legitimate rights and interests.
Putin Praises Russia-China Relations
President Putin echoed Xi Jinping’s sentiment, describing current Russia-China relations as “at the highest level in history.” He emphasized the mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit that define this partnership. Putin stated that Russia-China relations are not aimed at any third party and serve the well-being of both nations, reiterating their commitment to non-alignment.
Ukraine Crisis and International Issues
The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to promoting peace and dialogue, reiterating its willingness to actively contribute to the political resolution of conflicts. He also expressed China’s opposition to external forces intervening in China’s internal affairs and South China Sea matters.
Potential Chinese Drone Support for Russia
Amidst the deepening strategic partnership, reports emerged suggesting that Chinese and Russian companies are collaborating to develop an attack drone similar to the Iranian Shahed drone used extensively by Russia in Ukraine. European officials familiar with the situation revealed that this development could signal China’s readiness to provide lethal assistance to Russia, a move that Western officials have warned against.
According to Bloomberg, Chinese and Russian companies initiated discussions last year regarding the joint production of a copy of the Shahed drone. This year, research, development, and testing commenced, indicating preparations for eventual supplies to Russia. While European officials state that Chinese drones haven’t been deployed in Ukraine yet, the potential for their use raises concerns about China’s increasing support for Russia’s military operations.
Russia’s Reliance on International Aid
Russia’s reliance on military assistance from countries like North Korea, Iran, and China has grown since the start of the Ukraine war. While Russia has ramped up production of Shahed drones locally, China’s ability to produce them at a faster rate than Iran or Russia presents a significant concern.
China’s Growing Economic Influence
China’s economic ties with Russia have deepened considerably, with China accounting for 28% of Russia’s trade last year, a substantial increase from 19% in 2021. In contrast, the European Union’s share of Russia’s trade plummeted from 36% to 17% during the same period. This dynamic highlights China’s growing economic influence in Russia, further solidifying their strategic interdependence.
Keywords:
- Xi Jinping
- Vladimir Putin
- China
- Russia
- Astana
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Strategic partnership
- Comprehensive strategic coordination
- External interference
- Unilateral sanctions
- Hegemonism
- Ukraine crisis
- Shahed drone
- Military assistance
- Economic ties
- BRICS
- Global south
- New cold war
- South China Sea
- International relations
This article provides information on the recent meeting between Xi Jinping and Putin, highlighting the intensification of the China-Russia strategic partnership. It examines the key aspects of their discussions, focusing on strengthening cooperation, opposing external interference, and addressing international issues like the Ukraine crisis. The article concludes by analyzing China’s potential military support for Russia through drone development and the growing economic interdependence between the two nations. The content aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving relationship between China and Russia, including its implications for regional and global dynamics.