Putin begins his visit to China

2023-10-17 21:46:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for a visit that underscores China's support for Moscow as it continues its aggression against Ukraine. The visit also underscores Russian support for China's effort to expand its economic and diplomatic influence abroad.

The two countries have forged an unofficial alliance against the United States and other democratic nations, already embroiled in the Israel-Hamas war. China has sought to balance its ties with Israel against its relations with Iran and Syria, two countries strongly supported by Russia and with which Beijing has established economic ties, aiming to challenge Washington's influence in the East. medium.

Mr. Putin's visit is also seen as evidence of support for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's "One Belt One Road" initiative, which aims not only to build infrastructure, but also to expand China's influence abroad.

In an interview with Chinese state media, Mr. Putin said that Russia sees it as a desire for cooperation, unlike some who consider the initiative, he said, an attempt by China to control.
Mr. Putin is one of the senior leaders who will participate in the ceremonies on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the announcement of the project by President Xi. The project has plunged countries like Zambia and Sri Lanka into huge debt due to contracts with Chinese companies to build roads, airports and other public facilities that they could not afford otherwise. UN Secretary General António Guterres has praised the Chinese initiative, calling it an effort that brings development to neglected areas.

The visit is also seen as an opportunity for Mr Putin to meet with other global leaders who have criticized the Western approach to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Putin begins his visit to China

Speaking during a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose country is a member of the European Union as well as NATO, Mr. Putin said that the countries have maintained good relations, despite recent tensions.

"It is a pleasure that we have managed to maintain and develop relations with many European countries, including Hungary," Mr Putin said at the start of talks with Mr Orban.
Prime Minister Orban, who has repeatedly criticized Western sanctions against Russia, noted that his country remains keen to maintain ties with Russia.

"Hungary never wanted to face Russia. Hungary has always been eager to expand contacts," Mr. Orban told the Russian leader. Hungary continues to maintain contacts with Russia in the field of nuclear energy and gas, despite EU sanctions./ VOA