(MENAFN) Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow was highly choreographed and closely watched by the international community. The visit came just days after an international arrest warrant was issued for Russian leader Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, adding to tensions between Russia and the West. However, the joint statement signed by Xi and Putin emphasized the need to "respect legitimate security concerns of all countries," in a display of unity and an apparent swipe at Western nations that have supported Ukraine in the conflict.
The carefully planned stagecraft of Xi's visit was designed to portray a counterforce to the U.S.-led NATO alliance of the West. Russia has declared its intention to build a new "democratic world order" with China, and the two leaders walked down long rugs to meet in the center of an ornate, palatial hall in Moscow for a firm handshake, sending a clear signal to the rest of the world.
In a statement released by China's government after the meeting, Xi and Putin "shared the view" that their countries' relationship has gone beyond the bilateral scope and has critical importance for the global landscape and the future of humanity. However, their public message on Ukraine was a call for peace based on a vague plan unveiled by China in February. The plan has been dismissed and derided by the U.S. and its allies as a stalling tactic, as it does not call for Russian forces to withdraw from Ukraine.
The Chinese plan for a ceasefire and freezing of the lines in Ukraine has been criticized by the White House as giving Putin the time and space he needs to re-equip and re-man his forces. However, the joint statement signed by Xi and Putin suggests that both countries are committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Xi's visit to Moscow has highlighted the strong alliance between China and Russia, which has been strengthened in recent years as both countries seek to counterbalance the power of the West. The visit is likely to have significant implications for the global political landscape, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the tensions between Russia and the West.
MENAFN23032023000045014228ID1105843845
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.