Xi Jinping invited Putin and Myshustin to China

Official meetings of the President of the People’s Republic of China with high-ranking Russian representatives are taking place in Moscow today. Xi Jinping arrived on a state visit to Russia the day before, and held informal talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At a meeting with the head of the Russian government, Mikhail Myshustin, the Chinese leader said that he had invited Putin to visit China this year. Myshustin also received an invitation – Xi Jinping noted that he was able to meet him personally only today. He again noted that Russia was the first country he visited after his election as the President of the People’s Republic of China for the third term, since “China and Russia are the largest states and strategic partners.”

According to Myshustin, Russia and China are working on a joint logistics project on trans-Siberian and trans-Asian routes. According to Xi Jinping, these projects will significantly increase the volume of transportation. The total trade turnover between the countries is expected to reach 200 billion dollars already in 2023.

Later on Tuesday, the Chinese leader will hold talks with Putin – with the participation of delegation members. A press briefing is also expected.

Xi Jinping’s visit takes place a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued a warrant for Putin’s arrest. On the eve of the meeting with the Russian president, the head of the People’s Republic of China noted that presidential elections will be held in Russia next year. “I am sure that the Russian people will support you in your good endeavors,” Xi said. According to the press secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov, Xi Jinping did not say that Putin would participate in the 2024 presidential elections.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow indicates that China is preparing a “diplomatic cover” for alleged Russian crimes in Ukraine. “Chairman Xi’s trip to Russia just days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin suggests that China feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for atrocities committed in Ukraine, and instead to condemn them, he will rather provide diplomatic cover for Russia so that it continues to commit crimes,” said Blinken.

The USA hopes that Xi Jinping during his meetings with Putin will advocate for the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, which includes the complete withdrawal of Russian troops. The Chinese peace proposals published earlier did not mention the withdrawal of troops.

Since the beginning of the year, Western mass media have written about the fact that the Chinese leadership is considering the possibility of supplying Moscow with various types of weapons, in particular UAVs, artillery and ammunition. In February, Anthony Blinken warned of serious consequences for Beijing in the event of the start of arms deliveries to Moscow. China, in turn, argued that the country adheres to neutrality and does not sell weapons to conflict zones.