Xi Jinping’s Strategic Congratulations to Putin: Reasons Were Clearly Calculated

Chinese President Xi Jinping Made a Congratulatory Phone Call to Putin upon His Reelection
Promising Outlook for Closer China-Russia Relationship
What Are Xi Jinping’s Intentions?

With Vladimir Putin’s confirmation for a fifth term as Russia’s President, Western nations grew apprehensive. Amidst the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, they were wary of Putin’s control over Russia.

However, for Xi Jinping, the President of China, there was no cause for alarm.

Xi reportedly congratulated Putin on the day of his reelection, stating that the results “fully reflect the support of the Russian people.” He also mentioned that the strategic partnership between China and Russia would continue and achieve “deep development.”

Xi has shown significant interest in his relationship with Putin since the outbreak of the Kremlin conflict two years ago, even strengthening trade and security measures a few weeks before the invasion.

However, China paid a price for President Xi’s stance. Despite advocating for neutrality, China declined to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, drawing criticism from Europe.

NATO reflected a tough stance against China, with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pointing out that China “does not share our values and is challenging our interests.”

Nonetheless, President Xi appears to prioritize China’s relationship with Russia. With deepening trust with Russia, China will be better positioned to address other issues, such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.

However, this doesn’t imply that China isn’t closely monitoring the conflict in Ukraine.

China’s state-owned media reported the election results credibly through Xinhua News Agency, and another state media headline welcomed Russia’s “steadily developing political process.”

China also disclosed that it is “constantly” working to end the conflict and cultivate an image of a ‘peace-maker.’

To facilitate conflict resolution negotiations, China dispatched Li Hui, a special envoy to Eurasia, on two tours encompassing Russia, Ukraine, and other European regions. The second tour concluded recently.