Received at the Kremlin, initially unofficially, according to the state-run Russian news agency RIA Novosti, he became China’s president today as his Russian counterpart, in a visit that raised as many expectations on the Russian side and just as much fear in the West. .

Vladimir Putin called Xi Jinping “dear friend,” and the Chinese president answered the call, emphasizing that China and Russia should have close ties. After all, one of the first statements by Xi Jinping, who set foot on Russian soil, was that he expected deepening of the already close relations between Moscow and Beijing.

The Russian president told his Chinese counterpart that he had been briefed on Beijing’s proposals for peace in Ukraine and that, in fact, he treated them with due respect.

At the same time, Vladimir Putin, as host, said he was “somewhat envious” of China’s rapid growth in recent decades.

“China has created a very effective system for developing the economy and strengthening the state. This is much more efficient than in many other countries,” the Russian President said.

In response, Xi Jinping told Vladimir Putin that he knew that 2024 was an election year in Russia and that he was convinced that the Russian president had the support of the Russian people.

“Thanks to your strong leadership, Russia has made significant progress in recent years in achieving the prosperity of the country. I am sure that the Russian people will strongly support your good deeds.”

At the same time, the Chinese leader thanked the Russian president for his support in Beijing.

Russia presents Xi’s trip, his first trip since an unprecedented third term this month, as proof that it has a powerful friend ready to back it up against a hostile West that it accuses of trying to isolate and lead Moscow to defeat.

“We feel that the geopolitical landscape is undergoing dramatic changes,” Putin said in an article in the People’s Daily published on the Kremlin’s website, adding that he had high hopes for the visit of his “good old friend.”

For Xi, this visit is a diplomatic stunt.

The United States and its Western allies are deeply wary of China’s motives, noting that it has refused to condemn Russia and provided it with economic aid.

Source: Reuters.