Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Moscow for a three-day visit and talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He arrived at Vnukovo airport.
It is Xi’s first visit to Russia since Russian troops invaded Ukraine.
Xi is scheduled to have lunch with Russian President, Vladimir Putin before an informal one-to-one meeting this afternoon. Formal talks with delegations are planned for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
Less than a month ago, China proposed a 12-point peace plan in an attempt to resolve the war in Ukraine, calling for peace talks and respect for national sovereignty. However, the document does not specifically say that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, and it also condemns the usage of “unilateral sanctions”, in what is seen as a shrouded criticism of Ukraine’s allies in the West.
Shortly after the plan was unveiled, Russia hailed the Chinese peace proposals.
Speaking ahead of today’s talks between Xi and Putin, Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov disclosed that the pair will discuss themes proposed by Beijing in its peace plan for Ukraine.
China looks to Russia as a source of oil and gas for its energy-hungry economy and as a partner in opposing what both see as American domination of global affairs.
The meeting gives Putin and Xi a chance to show they have “powerful partners” at a time of strained relations with Washington, said Joseph Torigian, an expert in Chinese-Russian relations at American University in Washington.
“China can signal that it could even do more to help Russia, and that if relations with the United States continue to deteriorate, they could do a lot more to enable Russia and help Russia in its war against Ukraine.”
Joseph Torigian
Beijing’s relations with Washington, Europe and its neighbors are strained by disputes over technology, security, human rights and the ruling Communist Party’s treatment of Hong Kong and Muslim minorities.
This week’s meeting follows the International Criminal Court’s announcement on Friday, March 17, 2023 of charges that Putin is personally responsible for the abductions of thousands of children from Ukraine. The court has issued an arrest warrant for the Russian President. Governments that recognize the court’s jurisdiction are obligated to arrest Putin if he visits.
China’s Foreign Ministry Calls On The ICC To “Uphold An Objective And Impartial Stance”
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Wang Wenbin has stated that the ICC should “uphold an objective and impartial stance, respect the jurisdictional immunity enjoyed by the head of state in accordance” and “avoid politicization and double standards.”
“China will uphold its objective and fair position on the Ukrainian crisis and play a constructive role in promoting peace talks.”
Wang Wenbin
Wang was asked about reports that Chinese ammunition has been used by Russia in Ukraine. In response, he reminded reporters that it was the U.S that is supplying weapons to battlefields in Ukraine, not China.
“The US side should stop fueling the fires and fanning the flames… and play a constructive role for a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine, not the other way around.”
Wang Wenbin
China and Russia are among several countries which do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, has called the arrest warrant a “historic decision, from which historical responsibility will begin”.
Mykhailo Podolyak, the Ukrainian President’s adviser, described the ICC’s arrest warrants as “The beginning of the Russian Federation’s end in its current form on the world stage.”
Xi noted in an article published Monday in the Russian newspaper, Russian Gazette that China has “actively promoted peace talks” but announced no initiatives.
Also, according to text released by the official Xinhua News Agency, Xi noted, “My upcoming visit to Russia will be a journey of friendship, cooperation and peace.”
“A reasonable way to resolve the crisis” can be found if “all parties embrace the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security,” Xi added.
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