20 MARCH 2023 | NEWS
Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed China’s plan to settle the “acute crisis” in Ukraine. It comes after China’s president Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow today for a three-day state visit to discuss trade, growing economic ties and Ukraine.
Russian state news agency Tass commented on President Xi’s arrival, saying that both Russian and China are “ready to guard the world order as good neighbours and reliable partners”.
Talks between the two leaders took place after an official ceremony at the Kremlin, followed by a state banquet. The Russian president told his Chinese counterpart that he had looked at his proposals for a resolution and viewed them respectfully.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken raised alarm bells over China’s “peace proposal” today, suggesting they could use it as a “stalling tactic” to help Russia on the ground in Ukraine.
Raising doubts as to whether China is interested in “safeguarding” Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, Mr Blinken said: “The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its terms.”
“Any plan that does not prioritise this critical principle is a stalling tactic at best or seeks to facilitate an unjust outcome. That is not constructive diplomacy,” he added.
“Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest.”
During informal discussions earlier in the day, it was reported that President Putin admitted to his Chinese counterpart that Russia was “slightly envious” of China’s rapid development in recent decades.
“Over the last years, China has made a breakthrough in its development. In the whole world, it causes interest, and we’re jealous,” he said.
The Chinese leader responded by praising Putin’s “strong leadership” and saying that he is “convinced” Mr Putin will enjoy public support in Russia ahead of a Presidential election scheduled for next year.
Since the outbreak of Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine last year, Beijing has become a close trading partner of the Kremlin.
Despite strong denials from China over sending lethal military aid to Russia, the US has said Beijing is considering supplying weapons and ammunition to the Kremlin.
The US-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies has also suggested that Chinese companies may be sending Russia electronic parts for anti-aircraft missile radars.
