Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the strength of China-Russia relations during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, despite the U.S.’s recent shift in foreign policy towards Moscow.
This call comes amid growing U.S. efforts to broker peace in Ukraine, signaling a significant change in American diplomacy.
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Strong and Unshakable Ties
In their first conversation since President Trump’s pivot toward Russia, Xi emphasized that China and Russia's relationship is unshakable, no matter the changes in international politics.
He noted, “History and reality show that China and Russia are good neighbors that cannot be moved away,” reinforcing the enduring nature of their strategic partnership. Xi also reiterated that their ties would not be influenced by external factors, including the evolving U.S.-Russia relationship.
The Kremlin described the call as “warm and friendly,” highlighting the importance of their foreign policy alignment. However, it did not go into detail on their relationship in the same manner as Beijing, focusing instead on the stability they bring to global affairs through their cooperation.
U.S. Policy Shift Raises Concerns in Beijing
The call between the two leaders coincides with a shift in U.S. foreign policy, where Trump has worked to strengthen relations with Moscow as part of his efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The U.S. has been signaling that it may be willing to meet some of Russia’s demands, raising concerns in Kyiv and Europe about a potential peace deal that excludes them from the discussions.
The U.S. has also expressed a desire for geopolitical and economic cooperation with Russia, which could include disrupting Russia’s existing alliances with Iran, North Korea, and China.
These developments have raised questions in Beijing about whether Washington could drive a wedge between China and Russia, especially as Trump and Putin explore new avenues for diplomacy.
China’s Role in Ukraine Peace Efforts
Despite China’s official stance of neutrality, it has become a crucial diplomatic and economic partner for Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.
China has supplied Moscow with dual-use goods, which have been accused of supporting Russia’s military efforts. Xi and Putin’s “no limits” partnership has grown amid a shared challenge against Western influence.
While Beijing has voiced support for peace efforts, it has been cautious about being sidelined in the talks. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously expressed that “all parties and all stakeholders” should be involved in peace negotiations.
However, China’s language has since shifted, with Wang emphasizing that China supports all efforts aimed at peace, including those between the U.S. and Russia.
Potential Future Dynamics
As the situation unfolds, Beijing may have to navigate the complex dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Europe, especially if peace in Ukraine progresses without significant involvement from China.
The prospect of U.S.-Russia cooperation could cause Beijing to reconsider its strategic positioning, but its strong institutional ties with Russia are unlikely to be easily shaken.
In the meantime, China continues to advocate for peace in Ukraine, offering support for peace talks while carefully balancing its relations with Russia and the West.
With peace efforts in Ukraine evolving, China remains a key player in the global geopolitical landscape, poised to influence the outcome of the ongoing conflict.
As Xi and Putin reaffirm their partnership, it’s clear that their relationship will remain a central pillar of China’s foreign policy, unaffected by the changing tides in U.S. diplomacy.
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Written By HowNHowTo.com