Washington
In Photos: China’s Xi Meets With Putin As Tensions With Washington Flare
Topline
Chinese language President Xi Jinping met with Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday in Xi’s first journey to Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine greater than a 12 months in the past, signaling deeper ties between Moscow and Beijing, as U.S. tensions with each international locations proceed to bitter.
Key Information
Xi, who has normal himself in latest months as a impartial arbiter for peace between Russia and Ukraine, arrived at an airport close to Moscow Monday morning, earlier than assembly with Putin on the Kremlin.
The Chinese language chief is anticipated to remain in Moscow till Wednesday, based on a press release launched final week from China’s Overseas Ministry, and can meet with Putin over dinner Monday evening and take part in discussions with officers Tuesday, based on the AP.
The go to got here “on the invitation of Vladimir Putin,” and can embrace dialogue on “the additional improvement of complete partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China,” based on a press release final week from the Kremlin.
Key Background
China has refused to chop ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine final February, whilst western international locations, together with the U.S., impose harsh financial sanctions on Moscow and ship humanitarian and army assist to Ukraine. Over the previous 12 months, Beijing has stepped up its imports of Russian oil—whereas European Union member states reduce their utilization of it. U.S. officers have additionally warned China might present “deadly assist” to Russian forces in Ukraine, although Xi has reportedly urged Putin in opposition to utilizing nuclear weapons in Ukraine (Putin suspended Russia’s involvement in a U.S. nuclear treaty final month). The Worldwide Legal Court docket final week issued an arrest warrant for Putin for allegedly committing battle crimes, together with the “illegal deportation” of kids from Ukraine.
Tangent
Tensions between the U.S. and China have additionally worsened in latest months, as U.S. officers take motion in opposition to suspected Chinese language surveillance applications. Final month, U.S. fighter jets shot down a Chinese language spy balloon after it crossed over the continental U.S., following pleas, largely from lawmakers on the proper, to shoot it down. Final week, the Biden Administration threatened to ban Chinese language-owned social media platform TikTok within the U.S. until its mum or dad firm ByteDance bought it, over nationwide safety considerations that Beijing might take customers’ private info.
What To Watch For
Xi additionally reportedly plans to satisfy with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a part of his mission to dealer peace, although it’s not but clear when that go to would happen. Zelensky has stated he’s open to peace talks, however provided that Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine.
Additional Studying
China’s Chief Xi Jinping Will Go to Putin In Moscow Subsequent Week (Forbes)
Xi Jinping Reportedly Planning Moscow Journey As U.S. Claims China Would possibly Provide ‘Deadly’ Assist To Russia (Forbes)
China Serving to Russia’s Conflict With Ukraine With Army Assist—Violating Sanctions—Experiences Present (Forbes)