Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a bilateral meeting before the opening of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, on October 22, 2024.
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Despite the global geopolitical turmoil, China and Russia’s “deep” relationship remains strong.Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday at the opening of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. spoke.
According to official announcements from the two governments, the two leaders met at the BRICS summit in Kazan on Tuesday afternoon local time.
“Today’s world is facing profound changes not seen in the last 100 years, and as a result, the international situation is rapidly changing and turbulent,” Xi said, according to the English version of the meeting. Ta. “However, I am confident that the deep and enduring friendship between China and Russia will remain the same.”
Putin also reiterated his position during a state visit to China in May, calling the Russia-China partnership “one of the main stabilizing factors on the international stage,” according to the Kremlin’s official English statement. Ta.
Since February 2022, the two countries have touted “unrestricted” friendly relations as an economic and political counterweight to U.S. global influence.
In his remarks, Xi characterized China-Russia relations as “non-aligned, non-confrontational, and not targeting any third country.” Xi said the two countries had “acted in the spirit of enduring good-neighborhood and friendship” and “continued to deepen and expand” their strategic cooperation and “comprehensive practical cooperation.”
“Signs of tension”
However, the “friendship without limits” is not without friction, as China did not condemn Russia’s aggression and tried to position itself as a global player while walking a tightrope on the Ukraine war.
Eugene Loomer, director and senior fellow of Carnegie’s Russia and Eurasia Program, said in September that Beijing was “taking care not to become closely associated” with Russia’s war in Ukraine and “maintaining a facade of impartiality.” I wrote.
Beijing declared “unrestricted” friendly relations with Russia just before Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine, but China has not directly provided arms or ammunition to the war effort.
Gabriel Wildau, Teneo’s managing director, told CNBC on Wednesday that this week’s summit would be an “opportunity for Moscow to show solidarity with China amid signs of tension in relations.”
Wildau also said that China’s tightening of export controls on military-use technology and goods earlier this week ahead of President Xi’s trip to Russia shows that “there are limits to the Chinese leadership’s willingness to make a visit to Russia possible.” “It sends a signal to Moscow and the rest of the world.” President Putin’s war effort. ”
Deepening relations between Russia and North Korea are also putting China in an awkward position. China, along with Russia, suppressed calls for new sanctions against North Korea, but abstained from voting on a UN Security Council resolution calling for an extension of the panel overseeing sanctions enforcement, giving Moscow a veto. It was activated.
Still, observers say increased economic and diplomatic pressure from the United States and its allies could push China closer to Russia.
The BRICS summit, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday, will bring together representatives from 36 countries and will be the largest international gathering hosted by President Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The economic union initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, and South Africa joined in 2010, giving the organization of rapidly developing economies its current name. Since then, it has turned into a geopolitical forum for the world’s most powerful countries outside the Western world.
BRICS’ influence has further increased since Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates joined the group in January, making membership an attractive prospect for countries looking to boost trade, investment and economic development. Ta.
“It is not yet clear whether this group will function as a mechanism for coordinated action, rather than simply issuing vague statements of unity,” Wildau said, adding that the expansion gives the organization “the potential to increase its influence.” However, it has become more troublesome and unmanageable, he added.
Reuters reported on Monday, citing Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, that President Putin will hold a press conference after the summit on Thursday.
—CNBC’s Holly Ellyatt contributed to this article.
