Xi has been criticized for maintaining close ties with Moscow, benefiting from Russian energy imports and access to natural resources. The economic partnership between Russia and China has been scrutinized by the West, but US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of China’s support for Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine leading to a boost in the production of weapons. Despite claims of neutrality in the conflict, China has tried to position itself as a mediator in the Ukraine crisis.
Following talks with Putin, Xi emphasized the importance of a political solution to end the war in Ukraine. He stated that China’s stance has always been clear, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, as well as acknowledging the security concerns of all parties involved. Meanwhile, Russian leader Putin arrived just hours after commending his troops for progress on all fronts in the Ukrainian battlefield following a significant ground assault.
