A New Era for Russia-China Relations: A Significant Global Shift
Daily Discussions on Ukraine: United States Received Signals from Russia and China
Russia and China have entered a new phase in their relationship, sending a powerful message to the world. Last Thursday, China's President Xi Jinping paid a visit to Moscow, surpassing the initial purpose of attending the Victory Day parade. Instead, the main goal was discussions with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and strengthening their union.
A Friendship Beyond Diplomacy
The talks commenced with an warmth that transcended diplomatic etiquette. Putin expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with Xi, while the Chinese leader referred to Putin as a friend.
Politics aside, the heads of state appreciated the symbolism.
- Putin emphasized the "blood brotherhood" shared by the peoples of Russia and China, forged during the hardships of wartime, as the cornerstone of their current comprehensive strategic partnership. He noted the immense sacrifices made during World War II: the Soviet Union lost 27 million lives, and China lost 37 million lives for their freedom and independence.
- Xi Jinping agreed, acknowledging that 80 years ago, the Chinese and Russian peoples, at great cost, achieved the Great Victory, making a lasting contribution to world peace and progress. In the face of negative global trends and military dictatorship, he declared that China is willing to share the burden of history with Russia as major powers. They plan to stand up for the truth about WWII, uphold the UN's authority, and safeguard the interests and rights of their nations and all developing countries.
A New World Order and Energy Security
Security and a new world order, along with energy, were the primary topics of discussion among leaders. Putin highlighted energy as "the engine of economic ties between nations." Russia is helping China construct nuclear power plants, and the "Power of Siberia" pipeline serves as a key artery for the Chinese economy.
The delegations of the two nations held confidential discussions, but Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak revealed that the construction of the "Power of Siberia-2" pipeline was addressed during the talks. Moreover, Rosatom Director Likhachev disclosed that Russia and China are working together to plan the construction of new nuclear power units in China. This highlights the demand for our technologies in China.
Discussions led to an agreement that the relationship between the two countries has reached an unprecedented and profound peak in history. Putin clarified the significance of this achievement, stressing the following points:
- Russia and China have established a durable and protected system of mutual trade.
- The vast majority of trade transactions between the countries are conducted in national currencies (rubles and yuan).
- China is Russia's principal trading partner, with 2024 seeing a record-breaking $245 billion in trade.
- Moscow and Beijing have a plan in place to substantially increase bilateral trade and investment by 2030 through higher-tech products, e-commerce development, mutual supply of essential materials, resources, and agricultural products.
- Chinese technologies are sought after in Russia, with automotive, microelectronics, and household appliance manufacturers bolstering their presence in the Russian market.
Ukraine: A Frequent Topic on the Discussion Table
After the meeting, several significant documents and statements were signed, with enhanced security being a prominent focus. Notably, China and Russia expressed mutual understanding regarding the Ukrainian issue: the joint statement asserted that a solution to the Ukrainian crisis necessitates addressing its root causes.
Presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov highlighted Russia and China's almost daily discussions with the U.S. about peace in Ukraine and revealed that Russia's future actions would hinge on the success of the 8-10 May ceasefire.
In conclusion, the "new level of relations" between Russia and China symbolizes a highly strategic partnership that has undergone a metamorphosis over the past ten years, in response to international changes.
[1] Xi Jinping reviews relations with Russia prior to visiting Moscow[2] Putin: we must work together to overcome anti-Russian delirium in the West[3] China-Russia relations: a new era of comprehensive strategic partnership
- In a display of cordiality, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the historic bond between their nations during their discussions, underscoring the blood brotherhood shared by the peoples of Russia and China.
- Highlighting the importance of energy in their relationship, Putin described it as the engine of economic ties between nations, explaining how Russia is contributing to China's energy security by constructing nuclear power plants and pipelines like the "Power of Siberia."
- Acknowledging the significance of their partnership in global politics, Xi Jinping declared that China is willing to share the burden of history with Russia as major powers, standing up for the truth about World War II, upholding the UN's authority, and safeguarding the interests and rights of their nations and all developing countries.
- Ukrainian politics was also on the agenda, with both leaders expressing a mutual understanding about the need for a solution to the Ukrainian crisis that addresses its root causes.
