Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia next week for an official three-day visit aimed at deepening the partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries. While the visit will cover several issues, the statement released by the Kremlin indicates that the two leaders will focus on the development of their partnership relations and strategic interaction. Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin has described the visit as “a peace visit,” adding that Beijing will maintain its objective and fair position on the Ukraine crisis and play a constructive role in promoting peace talks. Similarly, Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmitro Kuleba, assured Ukraine that China will help to resolve the crisis and restore peace.
Kuleba acknowledged China’s indispensable role in international affairs, while Wang Wenbin noted that President Xi’s visit will promote strategic cooperation and practical cooperation between Russia and China, inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations, and practice genuine multilateralism on the basis of non-alignment and non-confrontation. China has also previously mediated between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic relations and released a statement on Ukraine, calling for respect for sovereignty and a ceasefire.
Despite China’s close relations with Russia, Beijing emphasized that the partnership does not threaten any country and promotes the multipolarization of the world. China has refused to condemn Russia for the invasion of Ukraine and opposed sanctions against Russia, citing that they do not solve problems. Instead, China acknowledged “unlimited” friendship with Russia and accused NATO and the United States of provoking Russia while condemning Western sanctions.
The visit comes at a time when the world is entering a new period of turmoil and reform, and the strategic cooperation between Russia and China extends beyond bilateral spheres. This indicates that the visit will have far-reaching implications and will shape the geopolitical landscape of the world.