Michelle ThompsonThe Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, received a warm welcome and was given the red carpet treatment at a global summit in Beijing, highlighting the deepening solidarity between China and Russia.
China’s President, Xi Jinping, hosted a global summit to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his signature foreign and economic initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This event welcomed more than 130 leaders and officials from various countries, with Vladimir Putin being the guest of honor.
Vladimir Putin, who has seldom left Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February the previous year, finds himself in a situation of increasing diplomatic isolation and has an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. However, it’s highly unlikely that he would face arrest in China since Beijing is not a state party to the ICC statutes. Putin and Xi have a well-known close relationship, with Xi previously describing their countries as having a “no limits friendship” shortly before the war in Ukraine began.
The summit’s proceedings commenced with an opening ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. Xi and Putin made their entrance together, walking shoulder-to-shoulder ahead of leaders from other countries. Putin played a prominent role, standing alongside the Chinese president for the group photo and being the second to speak after Xi during the event. They later engaged in a three-hour bilateral meeting in which they discussed issues related to Ukraine and the Middle East.
Putin acknowledged the increasing number of global conflicts, emphasizing how these external factors are shared threats that strengthen Russian-Chinese cooperation, as he stated during a news conference.
Notably, in previous Belt and Road summits, Putin enjoyed a prominent presence, but those occasions took place prior to Russia’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. China has faced criticism from Western nations for its support of Russia, despite attempts to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.
In the group photo, Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi were positioned front and center, underscoring their prominent roles at the summit.
During his speech on Wednesday, Mr. Putin expressed a commitment to reciprocating support and praised Mr. Xi’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing that it aligns with Russian principles. He also commended “our Chinese friends” for their accomplishments in this regard.
The Belt and Road Initiative has entailed China investing an estimated trillion dollars into global investment and infrastructure projects.
Speaking to a gathering of predominantly delegates from the Global South group of developing nations, Putin noted that “Russia and China, along with most nations worldwide, share common aspirations” for collaboration and economic advancement.
Mr. Putin’s visit occurred amidst concerns that China and Russia are forming a bloc to counterbalance the Western world. Both countries have openly criticized U.S.-led “global hegemony” and have advocated for a “multipolar” world characterized by multiple centers of power.
Leading up to the anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, China released two white papers, positioning the BRI as the foundation for a new world order, one that is framed as more equitable and inclusive.
In his speech, characterized by references to the Silk Road and colorful proverbs, Mr. Xi continued to emphasize the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He stated that the BRI “represents the advancing of our times and the right path forward” and is “on the right side of history.”
Xi criticized “ideological confrontation, geopolitical rivalry, and bloc politics,” as well as unilateral sanctions and the concept of “decoupling” supply chains. Beijing has frequently voiced its objections to what it perceives as unfair globalized practices led by Washington.
In contrast, the BRI has promoted “win-win cooperation,” where “the flame runs higher when everyone adds wood.”
Mr. Xi also outlined an eight-point plan for advancing the BRI, which includes the promotion of smaller projects, “green development,” and “integrity building.”
While the BRI has received widespread recognition for fostering development in many countries, it has also faced criticism for burdening borrowers with substantial debt, causing environmental damage, and contributing to corruption and wasteful projects.
The summit in Beijing has drawn attendees primarily from Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. Notable participants include Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and representatives from Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
