Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China on Thursday, marking his second trip in under a year amidst escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The visit follows Putin’s recent extension of his term until 2030, starting just over a week after his new term commenced. Scheduled from May 16 to May 17, the visit mirrors Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Moscow over a year ago, symbolizing their long tenures after altering leadership term rules.
The meeting between Putin and Xi occurs against the backdrop of US Presidential elections and international scrutiny over Washington’s stance on Israel’s conflict with Gaza. CNN reports that the leaders will discuss advancing their shared ambition to counter American power and offer an alternative global influence.
Western governments suspect Pyongyang, reliant on China’s economy, of assisting Russia with war supplies. Similarly, US authorities claim that Tehran benefits economically from support by Russia and China, playing a significant role in Middle Eastern conflicts.
Putin’s visit is characterized by his wartime economy’s resilience and ongoing offensive in Ukraine. For Xi, fresh from a European tour, hosting Putin showcases his ability to engage with the West despite ties with Russia. While the US pressures Beijing over alleged support for Russia’s defense industry, Xi aims to strengthen relationships, highlighting a global split that could deepen divisions with the West.
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg’s recent warning about increasing alignment among authoritarian powers emphasizes the global security implications. Stoltenberg stressed the need for collaboration with like-minded partners to safeguard transatlantic security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.