It is no exaggeration to say that the center of the global geopolitical stage has shifted to China these days. Today, May 20, highly important, high-level official meetings between the leaders of Russia and China began at the magnificent Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Notably, this reception was organized in almost the same format and at the same high level as the ceremony held a few days ago when Xi Jinping welcomed US President Donald Trump at the same venue.
As is tradition, the negotiations between the leaders of the two major powers began with a "small-group meeting" to discuss the most sensitive and confidential political topics. Subsequently, the presidents continued with "expanded-format negotiations" accompanied by their countries' official delegations.
Vladimir Putin: "Our relations are at an unprecedented peak"
During his speech, the Russian leader specifically noted that bilateral economic and trade relations are showing extremely high growth rates. According to the Kremlin chief, the friendship between Moscow and Beijing has reached an "unprecedented high point" today. Citing TASS news agency, it is reported that Putin proudly noted that trade turnover between Russia and China has increased by more than 30 times over the last quarter-century (25 years).
He also emphasized that against the backdrop of ongoing acute geopolitical crises in the Middle East, Russia will always remain a "reliable and stable energy supplier" for China. According to the influential BBC, Putin invited Xi Jinping to visit Russia officially next year and added that their alliance is the "main guarantor of global stability." (For information, the Chinese leader last visited Russia in May of last year).
According to the Russian press, to express mutual closeness, Putin traditionally called Xi Jinping "my dear friend" again and recalled a famous Chinese proverb: "Even if we don't see each other for one day, it feels like three autumns have passed". This saying is usually used to express a long-awaited, cherished meeting and the arduous wait for a great goal.
Xi Jinping: "The world is at risk of returning to the laws of the jungle"
In his opening remarks, the Chinese leader stressed that the two powerful states must support and rely on each other on the path to national rejuvenation and strategic revival. Xi Jinping stated that the main reason for the high level of China-Russia relations is the parties' ability to correctly establish mutual political trust and solid strategic cooperation.
At the same time, the Chinese leader warned that the world is in a dangerous situation today, meaning there is a risk of returning to the "laws of the jungle" based on violence:
"The current international political environment is extremely complex and unstable, and the pursuit of unilateral hegemony is intensifying. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and leading powers, China and Russia must act with a long-term strategic vision and work together to build a 'more just, transparent, and equal global governance system'," the BBC quotes Xi Jinping as saying.
Ending the war in the Middle East is the main demand
According to Chinese state media, Xi Jinping said that armed conflicts in the Middle East are at a critical juncture and the region is going through a period of transition from the vortex of war to peace. He firmly emphasized that military actions must be stopped immediately and that the reignition of the flames of war must not be allowed under any circumstances.
According to the "Xinhua" publication, the Chinese leader has put forward his four-point special proposal for establishing peace in the Middle East. This plan is aimed at strengthening international unity, reducing tensions, and supporting peaceful negotiations, an idea Xi also actively defended during his meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi last month.
Important treaty extended and 21 documents to be signed
One of the most important practical results of the Beijing meeting was the official extension of the "Treaty on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation" between Russia and China. This historic document is the foundation of the two countries' relations in economic, diplomatic, geopolitical, and military-defense spheres. The 20-year treaty, first signed in 2000, was extended for another 5 years after its expiration in February 2022, and today this process was successfully continued.
Within the framework of the summit, the leaders of the two countries are expected to sign a total of 21 major documents and agreements. According to Russian media, the following two global documents will occupy the central place among them:
Joint statement on further strengthening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation;
Declaration on the formation of a multipolar world and a new type of international relations.
In parallel with the meetings, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also sat down for separate negotiations with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. For the Russian economy, which is under sanctions due to the war in Ukraine, opening investments and new trade routes is the most important issue on Putin's agenda.
Analysis: Why is China vital for Russia?
According to BBC analyst Vitaliy Shevchenko, today, without China's financial support and high technologies, Russia's military campaign in Ukraine might have already stalled due to economic crisis.
Because China has already become Russia's largest trading partner, and Beijing is buying nearly 50 percent of Russian oil exports. After Western brands and manufacturers left the Russian market, their place was completely taken by Chinese consumer goods and cars. Although official Beijing is not openly supporting the war, it is not using its influence over Moscow to stop it.
Regarding diplomatic language, while the Russian side is praising relations in high terms as an "unprecedented level," the Chinese and Xi Jinping personally are acting based on a much more cautious and thorough scenario. Although the Chinese leader calls his counterpart an "old friend" and expresses the strength of the ties, he prefers to always keep the reins of superiority in the relationship in his own hands.
In your opinion, to what extent can these new strategic documents and the declaration of a multipolar world being signed in Beijing change the political balance in the world?
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