China President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow with a warm welcome to enhance strategic cooperation between China and Russia in the first visit since the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
On March 17th, 2023, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that President Xi would be visiting Russia from March 20th to 22nd at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The primary purpose of the visit is to exchange views on major international and regional issues and to deepen trust and strategic cooperation between the two sides.
As noted in a statement by the Foreign Ministry, President Xi considered his visit to Moscow to be the opening of a new chapter of cooperation with Russia. Additionally, he emphasized the independence of both countries in foreign policy. He described China and Russia as “major countries in the world,” which motivates them as “each other’s biggest neighbors” to increase cooperation in various fields.
One of the most important things mentioned in the statement was Xi's discussion of the shape of the relationship between China and Russia as major powers. He claimed their bilateral relationship “is brimming with new dynamism and vitality.”
Furthermore, he said that this Chinese-Russian relationship is based on "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation," which serves as an excellent example for developing a new model of relations between countries.
This visit comes at a time when there is much talk about China's progress as a rising model competitor to the United States along with the growth of a multipolar global system, especially after China's success in mediating negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, both of which announced the resumption of their relations with Beijing.
Indeed, in their statements about the Saudi-Iranian agreement and the visit to Moscow, Chinese officials focused on the fact that they are proposing a new form and definition of international relations and diplomacy.
"China will work with Russia to uphold true multilateralism, promote a multi-polar world and greater democracy in international relations, and help make global governance more just and equitable," according to a statement from President Xi's arrival in Moscow.
“Our two sides have cemented political mutual trust and fostered a new model of major-country relations. Guided by a vision of lasting friendship and win-win cooperation, China and Russia are committed to no alliance, no confrontation, and not targeting any third party in developing our ties,” the statement added.
In the same context, President Xi claimed that “the international balance of power is undergoing a profound shift.” within fast changes “unseen in a century” on an international level.
Also, he emphasized the necessity of cooperation between Russia and China to "jointly resist the interference in internal affairs by external forces" and to "enhance communication and coordination on international affairs."
Once again, this call came from China's President in the context of the relationship between Russia and China, which is based on "conserving each other's core interests." President Xi believes this type of relationship between two powerful countries contributes to shaping a "multipolar world" and promoting the reform and improvement of the global governance system.
During the visit, President Xi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and had "an in-depth and candid exchange on China-Russia relations and issues of mutual interest."
China's statements on the visit stressed that Russia was the first country Xi Jinping visited after he was elected President ten years ago and that both presidents stayed in close touch during that period. Moreover, President Xi claimed that "the Russian people will continue to give firm support to President Putin," referring to the presidential election in Russia next year.
Putin's statements were in line with the Chinese proposal, as he praised the cooperation between the two countries in all areas and called for further development of this relationship which he believes is in the interest of both countries.
In addition, Putin congratulated his Chinese counterpart on completing the agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia agreement. “This fully demonstrates China’s important status and positive influence as a major country in the world.”
During a talk between the two presidents, they signed a joint statement on “deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era” at the Kremlin in Moscow and another on “Pre-2030 Development Plan on Priorities in China-Russia Economic Cooperation.”
The signed cooperation documents included many areas such as agriculture, forestry, scientific and technological research, market regulation, and the media.
Furthermore, both agreed that the two sides need to “strengthen overall design and top-level planning, boost trade in energy resources and electromechanical products, enhance the resilience of their industrial and supply chains, and expand cooperation in such areas as information technology, the digital economy, agriculture and trade in services.”
This visit addressed the development of Sino-Russian relations and China's confirmation of its “historical logic and strategic choice” to cooperate with Russia. China also presented its position on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and called on both parties to engage in peace talks.
President Xi claimed that his country has been committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter on the Ukrainian issue and has followed an objective and neutral stance, standing firmly for peace and dialogue.
Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, the Russian side has confirmed its commitment to resume peace talks as soon as possible and welcomed China's willingness to play a positive role in the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. It considered China's objective and neutral position on the Russo-Ukrainian war a positive stance.
Furthermore, the two sides agreed on the necessity of supporting the international community for responsible dialogue and also called for “stopping all moves that lead to tensions and the protraction of fighting to prevent the crisis from getting worse or even out of control.”
In a practical expression of the Chinese vision for partnership with Russia, President Xi invited Putin to visit China this year, a few days after The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Overall, China took a new step toward presenting itself as a global competitor to the West. It has become clear that Western competitors, particularly the United States, have begun to activate their arguments about multilateralism, pole diversity, win-win cooperation, and more democracy in international relations.
In official statements regarding the visit, China said it is ready to “enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era” and “make a greater contribution to human progress.”
Additionally, they considered their relationship to have acquired “critical importance for the global landscape and the future of humanity.”
Therefore, for now, the question is: can China go further on this path and mediate to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, as it did days ago between Iran and Saudi Arabia?
Edited By: Ashelyn Wagner
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