Putin's trip to Beijing highlights China's substantial economic backing of Russia.

16 Oct, 2023

Putin's trip to Beijing highlights China's substantial economic backing of Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to convene with Chinese leaders in Beijing this week, emphasizing China's substantial economic and diplomatic assistance to Moscow during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Both nations have established an informal alliance, posing challenges to the United States and other democratic countries. However, this partnership faces complications due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. China must balance its relationship with Israel against its economic ties with Iran and Syria, nations heavily supported by Russia.

Putin's visit also signifies his endorsement of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road initiative, aimed at developing infrastructure and expanding China's global influence. This occasion marks the 10th anniversary of Xi's policy announcement, which has left countries like Zambia and Sri Lanka burdened with substantial debt after signing contracts with Chinese firms to construct infrastructure beyond their financial capabilities.

While Putin's visit is yet to be officially confirmed, Chinese officials have hinted at his arrival on late Monday.

In response to questions from reporters, Putin mentioned that discussions in China would focus on Belt and Road-related projects, which Moscow intends to align with the economic endeavors of a coalition of ex-Soviet Union nations, mainly situated in Central Asia, to achieve common development goals. He downplayed China's economic influence in a region traditionally viewed as Russia's sphere of influence.

Putin stressed, "There are no contradictions; on the contrary, there is a distinct synergy."

Putin and Xi will also discuss the expanding economic and financial connections between Moscow and Beijing, with an emphasis on facilitating transactions in national currencies. They anticipate growth in high-tech sectors and the energy industry.

Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, underlined the significance of this partnership from both perspectives. From China's standpoint, Russia is a reliable neighbor providing raw materials, support for global initiatives, and access to military technologies. For Russia, China is a critical economic partner, particularly amid the conflict in Ukraine.

Gabuev elaborated, "It serves as the primary market for Russian goods, facilitating currency and payment systems for Russia's global trade," and it is also the major source of sophisticated technological imports, including dual-use goods that contribute to the Russian military apparatus." While a full-fledged military alliance is unlikely, defense cooperation will intensify.

Gabuev stated, "I don't expect that Russia and China will create a military alliance, but there will be closer military cooperation, more interoperability, more cooperation on projecting force together, including in places like the Arctic, and more joint efforts to develop a missile defense system that complicates U.S. nuclear planning in Asia and Europe."

China and the former Soviet Union were Cold War adversaries, but today, they collaborate in economic, military, and diplomatic arenas. In fact, just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine last February, Putin and Xi met in Beijing, pledging a "no-limits" relationship. However, Beijing's attempts to position itself as a neutral peace mediator in Russia's conflict with Ukraine have been widely dismissed.

Xi's trip to Moscow in March was one of several interactions between the two leaders. While China has criticized international sanctions against Russia, it has not directly addressed the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Putin, who faces allegations of involvement in the abduction of thousands of children from Ukraine.