Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow on Monday to express support to Russian President Vladimir Putin and to discuss probable measures for achieving peace in Ukraine.
Following three days in Russia, Xi will contact Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. That would be their first chance to speak since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out.
Experts claim that given how far apart the Russian and Ukrainian negotiation stances remain, there is little chance of a significant development in the Ukraine situation, according to NPR.
Last month, Xi Jinping became the first Chinese president in history to be reelected for a third consecutive term, making Xi Jinping Russia visit an ideal opportunity to cement ties with a strategic neighbor and reliable ally. Likewise, the trip has the potential to enhance the reputation of China a world powerhouse.
The three-day Xi Jinping Russia visit has been billed as a chance for the two superpowers to strengthen their "no-limits friendship," according to AP News. Both countries perceive the United States as a threat to international order and look to Russia as a potential supplier of oil and gas for China's energy-hungry economy and a partner in challenging this dominance.
China and Russia, two permanent UN Security Council members, have also undertaken military training.
Xi Jinping To Dine with Vladimir Putin Despite Russian Leader's War Crimes Allegations
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, stated that during Monday's dinner, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping would likely provide a thorough explanation of Moscow's operations in Ukraine.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Wang Wenbin described Xi's trip as a "journey of friendship, cooperation, and peace" at Monday's daily briefing in Beijing.
Wang stated, China would maintain its "objective and fair" stand on the Russia-Ukraine war and play a positive role in facilitating peace negotiations.
On Friday, hours after the announcement of Xi Jinping Russia visit, the International Criminal Court ordered an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes connected to Moscow's illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.
At a time when Putin's military is running low on supplies and Russia's economy is suffering as a result of Western sanctions, Xi Jinping Russia visit is seen by the United States and most of Europe as a sharp demonstration of backing for the increasingly isolated leader.
Concerns have been raised in the West in recent weeks that China is contemplating giving deadly support to Russia's military. China denies the accusation and instead blames the US for "adding fuel" to the Russia-Ukraine war, as per a report from CNN.
US officials have stated they would be keeping a close eye on Xi and Putin's encounter for any indication that China is providing weaponry to Russia.
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