Russia and China seek to play a key role on the international stage
Russia and China agreed to discuss ways to deepen security cooperation in Europe and Asia to counter Washington's attempts to impose its will in the region.
China is taking control of relations and its influence is growing as Moscow's international isolation deepens following the invasion of Ukraine. In this context, Lavrov arrived in Beijing for a two-day official visit as they seek to deepen diplomatic relations while Russia's war in Ukraine continues.
China and Russia declared their partnership "infinite" during a visit to Beijing in February 2022, days before President Vladimir Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest ground war in Europe since World War II.
In recent years, the two nations have strengthened their ties, and their strategic partnership only grew closer after the invasion of Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Li pledged full support for Vladimir Putin's sustainable development in his country.
The Chinese delegation praised Putin's work at the helm of the Russian country. Wang Li affirmed to the state agency RIA Novosti that the future of the population is in "very good hands as long as Putin is in power". Wang Li also stressed the strategic cooperation between the two republics and the need to establish a commanding position on the world stage.
At Wang's words, Sergei Lavrov could only show his strongest gratitude and took the opportunity to thank Chinese President Xi Jinping for congratulating Putin after his re-election. China has strengthened trade and military ties in recent years after the US and its allies imposed sanctions on both states, particularly Moscow, over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to data from the China Customs Administration, trade between the two powers is expected to reach 240.1 billion dollars (364 billion dollars) in 2023, up 26.3% from last year. In 2023, exports to Russia are expected to increase by 46.9 per cent and imports from Russia by 13%. According to data from China Customs, trade with the United States is expected to reach 664.5 billion USD in 2023, a decrease of 11.6%.
Lavrov drew parallels between "illegal sanctions" by the West and China's efforts to limit access to sensitive US manufacturing technology. At a press conference following Tuesday's bilateral meeting, he accused the West of "trying to hinder the ability to develop its economy and its technology, in short, to eliminate its competitors".
In response, Wang Li said they "always follow the right path on important issues of principle". "China and Russia should have a clear position on historical progress, equality and justice," he added.
China insists that the United States, the EU (European Union) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) members should oppose any kind of hegemonic acts as it encourages the return of Cold War thinking. "As a force for peace and stability, China will continue to play a constructive role on the international stage and will never fan the flames," Wang Li
On the other side of the Pacific, the reactions are quite the opposite. Following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks in Brussels explaining how China continues to maintain and provide weapons, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who concluded a visit to China on Monday, warned officials of the consequences of helping to buy Russian military supplies.
China holds the power, as Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, told AFP, where the director confirmed the existence of an asymmetry that continues to "favour China", the first consequence of which is that it is allowing Russia to "continue the war by providing much-needed supplies to the Russian war machine". China has stronger bargaining power than Russia and its influence over its northern neighbour continues to grow.
US and European officials have repeatedly warned Xi Jinping not to provide indirect support for Russia's war effort and regularly urge Beijing to use its influence to bring peace to Ukraine. Meanwhile, China wants Russia and Ukraine to meet at an international conference to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. The West stresses that Xi Jinping's various attempts to stall the war are of no use if he continues to arm the Russian army and provide economic support.
