(RepublicanPress.org) – The ongoing Russo-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars are profoundly impacting global politics and alliances, pushing some countries apart and bringing others together. Russia and China started working together several years ago to counter Western influence and promote their respective interests in defense, energy, and trade. However, their alliance appears to have grown stronger since those conflicts began.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a state visit to the communist country from May 16 to 17. The event marked the Russian leader’s first foreign trip since he took the oath of office for a fifth time on May 7.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wan Wenbin told state-run media outlets that the two men planned to exchange their thoughts on bilateral relations and regional and global issues when the two nations’ interests intersect.
Wenbin confirmed that the two heads of state would attend an event marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. He also noted that Xi and Putin would attend the opening ceremonies of the Russian-Chinese Years of Culture.
Chinese officials designated 2024 and 2025 as years for celebrating the shared culture of China and Russia. The two-year project debuted during Putin’s visit with a concert performance by Chinese and Russian orchestras playing traditional folk music instruments. The two groups played together, weaving their music together in a tapestry meant to serve as a metaphor for the developing relations between the two countries.
The Kremlin issued a press release detailing Putin’s visit. The notice explained that the two leaders would have “an extensive discussion” about the two nations’ “overarching partnership and strategic cooperation.”
The statement also confirmed meetings between Putin and several Chinese officials besides Xi. For instance, he met with Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Li is the second-highest-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Politburo.
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