China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, is set to embark on a four-day diplomatic mission to Russia, primarily focused on security discussions. This announcement comes as the latest step in an ongoing series of high-level interactions and telephone exchanges between the two influential nations.
China and Russia, often vocal about their unbounded partnership, have been positioning themselves as strategic allies, collaborating not only economically but also in the military domain. Their alliance grew even stronger following Russia’s controversial invasion of Ukraine in February of the previous year, a move that China has refrained from criticizing openly.
The Chinese foreign ministry released a statement on Monday, revealing that Wang Yi had received an invitation from Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s security council, to engage in strategic security consultations during his visit. Additionally, Wang is slated to meet with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, with a focus on enhancing their collaborative efforts on the global stage.
A spokesperson from the Russian foreign ministry highlighted the key topics of discussion, emphasizing their deliberations on matters related to the Ukrainian conflict’s resolution and measures to ensure stability and security within the Asia-Pacific region.
China has been keen on presenting itself as a neutral party amidst the Ukrainian crisis while extending crucial diplomatic and financial support to Moscow as it faces increasing international isolation. However, it’s important to note that China has refrained from direct military involvement or the supply of lethal arms to Russia.
Recent diplomatic developments have underscored the growing ties between the two nations. Just last month, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu undertook visits to both Russia and Belarus, advocating for closer military cooperation. Moreover, joint sea and air patrols conducted by China and Russia have raised concerns in the region, prompting South Korea to deploy fighter jets as a precautionary measure.
As these high-level exchanges intensify, there are indications of further diplomatic activities on the horizon. An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted in July that the Russian leader plans to visit China in October. In March, President Xi Jinping made a significant state visit to Moscow, signaling the dawn of a new era in Sino-Russian relations.
During a meeting at the annual Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok last week, President Putin conveyed to Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing that the relationship between Russia and China had reached an “absolutely unprecedented, historical level,” underscoring the significance of their alliance on the global stage.
