Putin and Xi Jinping Discuss Ukraine Crisis Amidst International Arrest Warrant
Headline:
-Chinese President visits Moscow to deepen “no-limits friendship”
-Kremlin welcomes Xi’s peace plan for Ukraine crisis
-Russia opens criminal case against ICC prosecutor and judges
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Russia has been hailed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “landmark event”. Jinping is expected to discuss a range of subjects with Putin, including the Ukraine crisis. The two countries are keen to deepen their partnership and present a united front against what they see as US domination of global affairs. Jinping’s visit comes shortly after an international arrest warrant was issued for Putin on war crimes charges related to Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described Jinping’s trip as “a journey of friendship, cooperation and peace” and has refused to comment on what the trip aims to achieve. Meanwhile, Russian media reported that the two leaders would discuss Moscow’s actions in Ukraine over dinner on 20 March.
The visit marks another step forward in the two countries’ efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership, which is increasingly focused on economic cooperation. China has turned to Russia as a source of oil and gas for its energy-hungry economy, while Russia sees China as a key partner in standing up to Western efforts to isolate Moscow after its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Both countries are also among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and have held joint military drills. Despite the growing closeness between Moscow and Beijing, there are still limits to the partnership. Beijing has refused to supply Russia’s war machine, a move that could worsen relations with Washington and turn important European trade partners against China. Additionally, while China has refused to condemn Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine, it has called for a ceasefire and peace talks between Kiev and Moscow. Ukrainian officials have cautiously welcomed Beijing’s involvement but have insisted that any peace accord must involve the withdrawal of Russian occupation troops from Ukrainian territory in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
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