Chinese President Xi Jinping touches down in Moscow, strengthening alliances with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Flying high, Xi in Moscow amidst Ukraine drone attacks
On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping winged his way into Moscow, setting the stage for high-stakes talks with President Vladimir Putin. This visit, marked by grand ceremonies, has stirred controversy, following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow in the days leading up to Xi's arrival.
Being the leading buyer of Russian oil and gas, and a crucial economic lifeline for Moscow amidst Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, Xi touched down at Moscow's Vnukovo-2 airport, mere hours after Russian authorities announced they had downed another Ukrainian drone outside the capital.
Drones targeted Moscow for the third consecutive day, with Moscow's main airport forced to momentarily pause operations less than three hours before Xi's landing. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson remained tight-lipped during a briefing regarding these air attacks, simply urging a de-escalation of tensions.
Ukrainian officials reported a Russian overnight air attack on Kyiv, resulting in the death of a mother and her son. However, Russia insists they only target military objects.
As a key figure at the military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Friday, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany, Xi's visit offers President Putin a significant diplomatic boost. Amidst Putin's efforts to show Russia is not internationally isolated, the Kremlin lauded Xi's presence, alongside 28 other world leaders, as a symbol of Russia's growing global authority.
Ukraine's Foreign ministry, in a clear reference to the upcoming Red Square event, urged countries to refrain from sending their militaries to participate in the May 9 parade, arguing it contradicts some countries' declared neutrality in the war.
Ukrainian drones struck Moscow, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reporting Russian air defense units destroying at least 14 drones aimed at the Russian capital overnight. Additional drones were reportedly brought down during the day.
Xi has advocated for talks to end the Ukraine conflict and accused the U.S. of fueling the war through arms supplies to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked Xi to persuade Putin to end the war. Xi will hold talks with Putin on Thursday and join other world leaders for the parade on Friday.
Donald Trump, the U.S. President, is currently making efforts to mediate an end to the Ukraine conflict, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress. America and China are embroiled in a tariff war, prompting speculation that Xi will sign numerous agreements to further strengthen an already strong strategic partnership with Moscow.
Putin and Xi will discuss their most sensitive issues during their talks, with energy cooperation and the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline among them. Yuri Ushakov, a top Kremlin aide, emphasized that energy projects are a critical pillar of bilateral cooperation, aimed at ensuring economic stability and development.
In a signed article published in Russian media, Xi wrote that China and Russia must "preserve the post-war international order." Both countries consistently portray their relationship as seemingly unaffected by external pressures or geopolitical conflicts, asserting their shared responsibilities to defend multilateralism, resist unilateralism, and work towards a multipolar world order.
In essence, while the escalating Ukraine conflict impacts world politics, China and Russia sustain their close, pragmatic partnership, establishing a long-term strategic alignment and emphasizing mutual benefits and global stability over external pressures.
- Amidst the drone attacks on Moscow, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow, preparing for high-stakes talks with President Vladimir Putin.
- As the leading buyer of Russian oil and gas, China serves as a crucial economic lifeline for Moscow, especially in light of Western sanctions over the Ukraine war.
- Drones targeted Moscow for the third consecutive day, causing temporary disruptions at Moscow's main airport just hours before Xi's landing.
- Ukrainian officials accused Russia of targeting civilian areas, while Russia insisted their operations were limited to military objectives.
- Xi's visit offers a diplomatic boost to Putin, as the Kremlin seeks to illustrate Russia's growing global influence amidst international isolation.
- The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry appealed to countries to refrain from sending their militaries to participate in the May 9 parade, arguing it contradicts some countries' declared neutrality in the war.
- Despite the ongoing tariff war between America and China, there are speculations that Xi may sign numerous agreements to further solidify the strategic partnership with Moscow during his visit.
