Xi meets Putin after Trump summit to balance China-US-Russia triangle

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China four days after the conclusion of the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. Against the backdrop of easing and stabilising China-US relations, Putin stressed ahead of his trip that Russia-China relations had “reached a truly unprecedented level”, and that the two countries would continue supporting each other on core interests concerning the protection of sovereignty and state unity. 

Interviewed academics noted that China will not damage its ties with Russia to improve relations with the US. The Xi-Putin meeting therefore served as a reaffirmation of the strategic partnership between China and Russia, while also helping to maintain the balance in trilateral relations among China, the US and Russia.

Putin began a two-day visit to China on 19 May, marking his 25th trip to China. His previous visit was in September last year, when he travelled to Tianjin and Beijing to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and the 3 September military parade, respectively.

Ahead of his trip, Putin delivered a video address setting the tone for his visit to China. He described Russia-China relations as having “reached a truly unprecedented level”, adding that the special nature of the relationship is reflected in the mutual understanding and trust, as well as mutual support on core interests such as the protection of sovereignty and state unity.

Putin noted that the close strategic coordination between Russia and China plays an important stabilising role on the international stage. He added that the two countries would work together to uphold international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, while strengthening cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the SCO and BRICS.

Putin said that Russia-China friendship is not directed against any third party, but aimed instead at pursuing peace and universal prosperity. “I deeply appreciate President Xi Jinping’s commitment to long-term cooperation with Russia. I am convinced that our warm and friendly ties enable us to chart the boldest plans for the future and bring them to life,” he stated.

A commentary published on 18 May by the Chinese state media People’s Daily also affirmed that China-Russia relations are “at their best period in history”, adding that no matter how the international landscape evolves, the historical logic underpinning China-Russia friendship will not change.

Echoing Putin’s remarks, the commentary stated that the more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more important stronger strategic coordination becomes. It added that China and Russia remain firmly committed to safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core, and are “a key force in opposing hegemony, advancing multipolarity and stabilising the international situation”.

The commentary described the relationship: “China and Russia are good neighbours that cannot be moved, and true friends who stand together through thick and thin, support one another, and pursue common development.”

Benjamin Ho, an assistant professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, told Lianhe Zaobao that Xi meeting Putin just days after meeting Trump sends a signal that China will not damage its ties with Russia simply because relations with the US are improving.

Ho believes that the meeting reaffirms the strategic relationship between China and Russia. At the same time, China can also take the opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic influence to a domestic audience.

Zhang Xin, deputy director of the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai, added that the easing of China-US relations would not only leave the stability of China-Russia ties unaffected, but could in fact help consolidate the balance in trilateral relations among China, the US and Russia.

He said, “Against the lack of effectiveness of formal institutions in the international system, a trilateral coordination mechanism among the major powers of China, the US and Russia may become increasingly important in the future.”

Observers expect Xi and Putin to exchange views on the Xi-Trump meeting, while a Kremlin spokesperson had earlier revealed that the two leaders would discuss economic and international issues.

On the Ukraine issue, Putin said earlier this month that he believed the war in Ukraine was “coming to an end”, drawing attention to whether China might play a larger role in the ceasefire process.

Zhang believes that Xi and Putin are highly likely to exchange information on the issue, but that China, without an explicit invitation from the relevant parties, would not directly participate as a formal mediator. Instead, it is more likely to indirectly influence Russia’s calculations of its interests through bilateral communication.

Another key focus of the talks is believed to be the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, which would transport natural gas from Russia to China. Reports suggest that, against the backdrop of turmoil in energy markets caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Putin will seek progress with China in price negotiations.

Xi will hold a welcome ceremony for Putin on 20 May, after which the two leaders will conduct talks and attend an expanded meeting. It is understood that China and Russia will sign a joint declaration concerning the establishment of a multipolar world and a new type of international relations.

This article was first published in Lianhe Zaobao as ““习特会”后普京访华力挺中俄关系 释放中国无意疏远俄罗斯信号”.

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