Amid improving ties between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin gears up to visit China

Moscow: Amid increasing rapproachment between China and the United States following the visit of US President Donald Trump to Beijing, the 'Middle Kingdom' is set to welcome another top global leader in the form of Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin will will commence his two-day visit to China on May 19. 

Putin visit to Beijing will be hot on the heels of US President Donald Trump's high-profile trip to China. According to a statement reelased to the media on Saturday, the Kremlin informed that Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on measures to “further strengthen the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” between Russia and China.The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on “key international and regional issues” and sign a joint declaration at the end of the talks.

Why is the visit significant?

The Kremlin announcement came just a day after Trump wrapped up the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nearly a decade. The visit was dominated by discussions on Taiwan, trade ties and the ongoing Iran conflict.Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive issues during Trump’s meetings with Xi. The Chinese leader reportedly warned that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push Washington and Beijing towards conflict.
Trump later said aboard Air Force One that he had not yet decided whether to proceed with a major US arms package for Taiwan after hearing Xi’s objections.Trump also said he and Xi discussed Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, with the US president claiming the Chinese leader agreed that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and that the strategic waterway should remain open.

Which issues will be discussed?

Putin is also scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During this meeting, discussions regarding economic and trade cooperation between the two nations are expected to take place. The Kremlin announced Putin's visit to China just one day after President Trump concluded his own visit to the country. Trump's visit marked the first trip to China by a sitting U.S. president in nearly a decade. Key topics of discussion during that visit included Taiwan, trade relations, and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

What was Xi Jinping's Blunt Message to Donald Trump on Taiwan Issue?

During Donald Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping, the issue of Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive topics. Xi Jinping delivered a stern message to the U.S. regarding Taiwan, warning that mishandling this issue could escalate tensions and lead to a confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

What Was Discussed Regarding the Strait of Hormuz?

Speaking later aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that after listening to Xi Jinping's objections, he had not yet decided whether or not to proceed with a major U.S. arms package for Taiwan. Trump also mentioned that he and Xi Jinping had discussed Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed that Xi Jinping agreed that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

Is China a Key Economic Partner of Russia?

Relations between China and Russia have strengthened significantly since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. Amidst Western sanctions, China has emerged as Russia's primary economic partner. China is purchasing oil and gas from Russia on a massive scale, thereby providing crucial support to Moscow's economy. However, China has consistently maintained a stance of neutrality regarding the Ukraine conflict and has rejected Western allegations that it is supplying weapons to Russia.

Since February 2022—when Russia launched its military operation in Ukraine—China's ties with Russia have grown increasingly strong. Although Beijing has repeatedly called for peace talks, it has refrained from condemning Russia's actions and has positioned itself as a neutral party. China has also denied Western allegations that it is supplying weapons or military equipment to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. Conversely, Beijing has accused Western nations of prolonging the war by continuously supplying weapons to Ukraine.

In recent years, China has emerged as a major economic partner for Russia—particularly after Western sanctions isolated Moscow from numerous global markets. China remains one of the largest buyers of Russian fossil fuels, thereby helping to sustain Russia's economy amidst the pressure of sanctions.